Devolution transforms Midlands Province

Nobukhosi Ndlovu, Sunday News Reporter 

THE Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution in the Midlands Province, Cde Owen Ncube, has applauded the Second Republic for implementing devolution saying it has become one of the anchors of development whose primary concern is uplifting the lives of the grassroots.

Speaking during a tour of the Sandawana-Mangena Road and the commissioning of the Phoenix Dam Bridge last Tuesday in Mberengwa West, Cde Ncube said the purpose of the tour was to check progress on the work done so far on the construction of the bridge.

“The bridge is going to allow for safe and efficient travel over water, valleys, and other obstacles. It is also going to reduce travel time and improve transportation options,” he said.

He said the development was part of the “leaving no one and no place behind” phrase which had become synonymous with the leadership of President Mnangagwa, who had made it a buzz-phrase that has found resonance among the people. Cde Ncube said Zimbabwe was implementing several other high impact infrastructure projects across the province and country.

“Many projects are being done by the Government and these include the construction and rehabilitation of roads under the emergency rehabilitation programme, construction of dams and resuscitation of irrigation schemes. 

“The Government is also undertaking the drilling and equipping of boreholes in rural areas under the Presidential Borehole Drilling Programme targeting at least 35 000 boreholes,” he said.

The minister thanked the Government for the high impact projects that have been completed and commissioned successfully in the Midlands Province.

“We are happy to say the Government successfully commissioned Tongogara Poly Clinic in Shurugwi which is furnished with state-of-the-art equipment, constructed a secondary school here in Mberengwa and procured road equipment under devolution funds,” he said.

He added that the Government under the President Mnangagwa-led Second Republic hit the ground running with Midlands Province benefiting a lot through various devolution projects.

“Devolution funds that are disbursed by Treasury 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, schools, roads and bridges,” he said.

Devolution was adopted as a key component under the Constitution of Zimbabwe which promotes democratic participation in Government by all citizens and communities.

Minister Ncube thanked the Mberengwa West constituency for the unwavering love and support they have shown to the party by voting for Zanu-PF and His Excellency President Mnangagwa in the just-ended harmonised elections which the revolutionary party won resoundingly.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mberengwa West for voting for Zanu-PF which saw the triumph of President Mnangagwa, Members of Parliament and councillors in the Midlands Province,” he said.