Chronicle Editor
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]
MATABELELAND South Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Dr Evelyn Ndlovu has said the province recorded significant development milestones under the health and education sectors since the introduction of the devolution funds in 2019.
The devolution funds have assisted local authorities across the country to fulfill their obligation of ensuring improved access to social amenities through the development of key infrastructure such as clinics, classroom blocks, roads, bridges, and street lighting among other facilities.
Upgrading infrastructure is in line with the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), a national five-year economic blueprint running from 2021 to 2025.
Under NDS1, Government is focusing on building, expanding and restoring key enabler infrastructure such as roads and energy. Infrastructure development is expected to play a key role in ensuring the country attains the status of an upper middle-income economy by 2030.
In an interview, Dr Ndlovu said previously marginalised communities have been uplifted through the devolution programme.
“The devolution fund which was introduced by the Second Republic has transformed most of our districts in the provinces in terms of education and health. As a province, under the education sector we have seen an increase in the number of schools that have been constructed,” she said.
“We have seen a decrease in distances walked by learners from their homes to schools.
The devolution funds have addressed challenges which school children faced before independence.”
Dr Ndlovu said more clinics have been constructed in rural areas using devolution funds.
Gwanda mayor, Councillor Thulani Moyo said devolution funds have helped the council to meet its service delivery obligations.
“We want to thank the Government for devolution funds and as a municipality, we have used devolution funds to improve service delivery in various sectors which include education, health, WASH, and roads and we have also purchased equipment,” he said.
“We have a primary school under construction in the Garikai/Hlalani Kuhle area. We are also constructing a clinic that will help to ease congestion at Phakama Clinic.
“Our revenue has been meagre because our clients have been failing to meet their obligation of paying their rates which made it difficult to provide service.”
Devolution projects that were recently commissioned in the province include Izimnyama Clinic in Mangwe, Mlugulu Clinic in Matobo, Dumba Clinic in Beitbridge, Mandihongola Clinic, and mothers’ shelters at Garanyemba and Mashaba clinics in Gwanda.
Montrose Clinic in Insiza, constructed using devolution funds, is set to be commissioned on Friday.
Devolution funds have transformed several districts in the Matabeleland region as the Second Republic steps up the inclusive developmental philosophy of leaving no one and no place behind.
The devolution programme is one of the key pillars under the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) whose overarching goal is to ensure high, accelerated, inclusive and sustainable economic growth and development as the country moves towards an upper middle-income society by 2030. — @DubeMatutu
Online Reporter