Devolution key to unlocking local development

THE Permanent Secretary in the Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC) for Monitoring and Evaluation, Ms Nditwani Muleya has urged the Makoni District leadership to fully embrace their devolved responsibilities and take charge of the district’s development.

Addressing stakeholders during a meeting in the district, Ms Muleya said most community challenges can be resolved locally if councils and Government departments, and other stakeholders collaborate effectively under the devolution framework.

“Ninety percent of the challenges you face can be addressed at the district level. Only 10 percent require escalation to the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution’s office. The solutions and resources often lie within your locality, provided you work together,” she said.

Ms Muleya encouraged councils to modernize service delivery in areas such as healthcare, roads, and education infrastructure, without relying on central government intervention.

“Collectively modernize your infrastructure, including clinics, hospitals, and roads. There is no room for compromise when it comes to service delivery,” she said.

She reminded stakeholders that devolution is enshrined in the Constitution, empowering local authorities to drive economic and social transformation.

Makoni RDC chairperson, Councillor Ellah Hlanguyo welcomed the call, acknowledging that fragmented project implementation had previously hindered progress in the district.

Ms Muleya’s visit is part of a national outreach programme aimed at assessing grassroots-level progress under Vision 2030 and reinforcing the importance of locally driven development.