Chronicle Editor
Nqobile Tshili, Chronicle Reporter
GOVERNMENT has allocated $42 billion to fund devolution projects countrywide, with local authorities in Matabeleland region getting over $7,1 billion in the 2022 National Budget.
In line with the country’s constitution, Government through devolution is promoting the equitable economic development of the country’s regions.
Devolution funds have resulted in far reaching transformation of communities around the country through rehabilitation and upgrading of education and health facilities, drilling of boreholes, upgrading of roads and water sources including treatment plants and sanitation facilities.
In the 2022 budget, Bulawayo City Council has been allocated $1 billion, local authorities in Matabeleland North were allocated a combined $3,2 billion and those in Matabeleland South got $3 billion.
Harare was allocated $3,6 billion.
Presenting the National Budget yesterday, Finance and Economic Development Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube said going forward, Government will review the model that it is using to disburse devolution funds to provinces and local authorities.
“Under the 2022 budget, $42,5 billion has been allocated for Inter-governmental Fiscal Transfers (Devolution), consistent with the Constitutional requirement,” he said.
“While the current Inter-Governmental Fiscal Transfer allocations, as well as the disbursements thereof to local authorities are based on the agreed formula which takes into account poverty incidence, population size and infrastructure deficit, consultations with key stakeholders will be undertaken to review this formula so that it incorporates the best mix to ensure equity is achieved.”
From the total $42,5 billion, approximately $37 billion was allocated to local authorities while $5 billion was allocated to provincial councils.
Local authorities in Midlands were allocated $4,9 billion, Masvingo, $3,6 billion while those in Mashonaland West got $4,8 billion.
On the other hand, councils in Manicaland were allocated $4,4 billion and Mashonaland Central $3,8 billion.
“Government is developing the Intergovernmental Fiscal Transfers System Administrative Manual whose purpose is to support local tiers of government (Provincial/Metropolitan Councils and Local Authorities) to manage Intergovernmental Fiscal Transfers Grants effectively, as well as guide Central Government entities responsible for administering the grants,” said Prof Ncube.
He said despite fiscal limitations, Government was able to channel $6,3 billion towards building of classroom blocks, drilling of boreholes among other things.-@nqotshili
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