Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]
THE Government has stepped up efforts to fast-track the completion of legacy projects rolled out in Matabeleland South Province, with authorities committing to deliver all outstanding works by the end of the year as part of a broader push to entrench inclusive development.
Minister of State for Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Albert Nguluvhe, said ensuring timely completion of the projects remains a top priority following the province’s successful hosting of this year’s Independence Day main celebrations.
About 43 projects spanning key sectors such as education, health, infrastructure and agriculture were initiated, with several already completed and the remainder scheduled for completion by November.
“These legacy projects are critical as they directly impact people’s lives. Government is committed to ensuring they are completed on time and we will intensify monitoring and co-ordination to accelerate progress,” said Minister Nguluvhe.
The projects, commissioned by President Mnangagwa during Independence Day celebrations, are aimed at stimulating local economic activity while improving service delivery in both rural and urban communities.
Among the flagship initiatives is the Mahetshe Primary School business unit, which features a one-hectare nutritional garden supported by a solar-powered borehole, drip irrigation, fishponds and water storage systems, a model aimed at strengthening agricultural education and community livelihoods.
The school also benefitted from a refurbished computer laboratory and the provision of 200 laptops, boosting digital learning.
Other key interventions include housing construction under the War Veterans Housing Scheme, the installation of a water reticulation system in MaFuyane and the construction of a 14,3km electricity line connecting schools and surrounding communities.
Infrastructure upgrades have also extended to the rehabilitation of Mahetshe Primary and Secondary schools, as well as the construction of Maphisa Stadium.
Minister Nguluvhe said the projects are aligned with National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), which prioritises infrastructure development and improved social services as drivers of economic growth.
He said the initiatives are already laying the foundation for long-term transformation in the province.
Minister Nguluvhe said these projects, which will have far-reaching benefits for generations to come, are a clear demonstration of the Government’s commitment to ensuring no place and no one is left behind.
“The legacy projects that were introduced in Matabeleland South are very critical as they impact people’s lives in various ways.
“They cut across various sectors such as health, education, transport and infrastructure, among others, hence the need for these projects to be completed timeously,” he said.
“The Government has committed to facilitating the completion of these projects and as the Resident Minister, I will work tirelessly to co-ordinate, supervise and monitor to ensure the work doesn’t stop but continues at an even faster pace.”
The province is also witnessing massive infrastructure development, including the construction of 41 science laboratories across all seven districts to strengthen Stem education and the near-completion of the long-delayed Filabusi Registry.
Other developments include the Gwanda-Maphisa Road, which connects several districts and links vital economic centres, including Arda Antelope, the Makwe Irrigation Scheme, two border posts and various tourist sites in Matobo.
In addition, about 2 600 kilometres of road network across the province have been rehabilitated by the Government and local authorities.
Minister Nguluvhe urged communities to take ownership of the projects, saying citizen participation is key to sustaining development gains.
“Communities must realise that they are part of Government and have a role to play in ensuring the success of these initiatives,” he said.
The Minister also dismissed perceptions of marginalisation, saying the scale of development underway reflects a deliberate effort to uplift the province.
The legacy projects are part of the Government’s decentralisation strategy, which rotates Independence Day celebrations across provinces, a model designed to spread infrastructure development and economic opportunities nationwide.
With Masvingo set to host the 2027 celebrations, the Matabeleland South experience is expected to serve as a benchmark for leveraging national events to drive local development.
Minister Nguluvhe also expressed profound gratitude to President Mnangagwa and various stakeholders following the successful hosting of the 46th Independence Day celebrations.
He attributed the success of the event to the unity of purpose exhibited by the local community, business sector, legislators, traditional leaders and Government agencies. – @DubeMatutu.
