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Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu
Bulawayo Bureau
GWANDA Municipality has since 2019 received $117 million in devolution funds, which went towards the development of key infrastructure which include the construction of schools and refurbishment of the town’s water supply system
Devolution which is provided for in the new Constitution promotes citizens’ participation in all Government programmes and gives power and responsibilities to lower tiers of Government.
The policy encompasses inclusive development to promote representative, accountable, participatory, inclusive governance and socio-economic development.
The policy has helped local authorities in Matabeleland and other parts of the country to boost health service delivery, particularly in rural areas, where a majority of citizens quite often travel long distances to access services.
Leaving no one and no place behind has become synonymous with the leadership of President Mnangagwa, who has made it a buzz-phrase that has found resonance among the people in both rural and urban areas.
Devolution funds are assisting local authorities fulfil their obligation of ensuring improved access to social amenities across the country through development of key infrastructure such as clinics, classroom blocks, roads and bridges among other facilities.
In a report, Gwanda Municipality director of finance, Mr Xolani Dube said they have managed to construct a classroom block at Phakama Primary, which is now operating as an annexure of Jahunda Primary School.
He said a second classroom block is under construction with $566 000 having been spent so far.
Mr Dube said using devolution funds they also roofed a classroom block at Senondo Primary School.
This year, Gwanda Municipality received $99,3 million for devolution out of a total allocation of $148 million with $77 million being a grant to assist the municipality to buy water from the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (Zinwa).
“Out of the $99,3 million that we have received this year the major component was an operational grant of $77 million to assist us to buy water from Zinwa. We have also managed to construct a classroom block and ablution facilities at Phakama Primary School using the devolution funds,” he said.
“We also bought furniture for the classroom block while a new block is also shaping up.”
Mr Dube said they have also managed to buy a tipper truck, refuse compactor and repaired a refuse compactor to improve service delivery.
The local authority also used some of the funds to complete a water reservoir.
Online Reporter