Online Reporter
Mkhululi Ncube, [email protected]
THE Minister of State for Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Richard Moyo, has called on local authorities in the province to strengthen governance systems, improve transparency and tighten investment monitoring as economic activity continues to grow under the Second Republic.
Speaking during a meeting with council chairpersons, district development coordinators and chief executive officers in Bulawayo on Tuesday, Minister Moyo said weak reporting structures and poor tracking of investments were undermining efforts to measure development progress in the province.
Matabeleland North, which covers Bubi, Umguza, Binga, Lupane, Tsholotsho, Hwange and Nkayi districts, has in recent years attracted significant investment in sectors such as mining, energy, tourism and infrastructure development.
However, Minister Moyo said local authorities must improve governance systems to ensure that these investments translate into meaningful economic growth and improved service delivery.
“I also wish to emphasise the importance of proper investment reporting and economic planning. Through our economics and development departments, we have noted with concern that many investments taking place within districts are not properly recorded or monitored. This affects our ability to accurately assess development progress and measure contribution to provincial and national GDP.”
The minister said councils should move beyond routine administrative duties and take a more active role in driving economic development through efficient systems and transparent processes.
“Every investment matters. Every development initiative must be documented and monitored. At the same time, we must continue creating an enabling environment for the ease of doing business,” he said.
Minister Moyo said the ability to attract and retain investors depends largely on how local authorities conduct their affairs.
“Investors are attracted by efficiency, transparency, professionalism and coordinated governance systems. Local authorities must facilitate investment instead of frustrating it,” he said.
He called for stronger coordination among councils and government departments to ensure that development projects are properly supervised and deliver expected outcomes.
The minister also raised concern over corruption within local authorities, warning that it continues to weaken service delivery and reduce public trust in governance institutions.
“We must also speak openly about corruption. Corruption continues to undermine service delivery, public confidence and development efforts. The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission continues to move in and out of our local authorities investigating cases of abuse and mismanagement. This should concern all of us.”
Minister Moyo urged councils to strengthen internal controls and promote accountability across all levels of administration.
“Public office is a responsibility to serve, not an opportunity for personal enrichment,” he said.
In addition, he expressed concern over the quality of infrastructure projects, particularly road rehabilitation works, saying limited resources must be used effectively.
“The issue of substandard work, particularly on roads and infrastructure projects, must also be addressed urgently. The few resources that come from Zinara and other funding mechanisms must produce quality and durable infrastructure. Monitoring and supervision of projects should be strengthened at all levels.”
The minister encouraged local authorities to explore alternative financing options, including public-private partnerships, to support infrastructure development and improve service delivery.
He also stressed the need for councils to involve communities in all stages of project implementation to improve transparency and ensure public support.
During the meeting, local authorities raised a number of challenges affecting their operations, including reduced revenues following Government tax cuts, delays in the disbursement of devolution funds and reduced fuel allocations from Zinara.
Officials said these constraints were affecting service delivery and slowing down infrastructure maintenance programmes across the province.
Despite these challenges, Government maintains that Matabeleland North remains well positioned to drive economic growth, given its natural resources, tourism potential and ongoing infrastructure investments under Vision 2030.
