Chronicle Editor
Sukulwenkosi Dube- Matutu, [email protected]
THE Government has reiterated its dedication to ensuring the timely disbursement of devolution funds, guaranteeing effective utilisation and impactful outcomes.
Engineer Tafadzwa Muguti, Permanent Secretary for Presidential Affairs and Devolution, emphasised this commitment during a recent visit to Phakama Primary School in Gwanda.
Eng Muguti commended Gwanda Municipality for its prudent use of devolution funds, allocating US$51 000 towards the construction of Phakama Primary School.
The school, which currently has one classroom block accommodating ECD B learners, will receive an additional block.
Eng Muguti also inspected two fire trucks purchased using devolution funds and visited high-impact projects at Blanket Mine and Umzingwane District.
“I’m happy that you have utilised the devolution funds well, addressing the issue of learners walking long distances to school,” Eng Muguti said.
He urged the council to prioritise constructing more classroom blocks and utilise the Emergency Road Rehabilitation Programme (ERRP) funds to build a connecting road and a bridge, facilitating easier access to the school.
He stressed President Mnangagwa’s vision to allocate at least five percent of consolidated revenue towards devolution, in line with the Constitution.
He encouraged local authorities to formalise their economies, generate revenue, and increase devolution funds.
“Some local authorities are not generating sufficient revenue but expect devolution funds. We must ensure the consistent flow of devolution funds and monitor their effective utilisation.”
He urged local authorities to put in place measures to increase revenue collection saying the more the revenue, the more devolution funds they will receive.
“As Government, we are committed to ensuring the consistent flow of devolution funds and monitoring to ensure devolution funds are used well. Communities also have to realise that devolution money is from taxpayers and if nothing is paid then the Government won’t have anything to disburse.
“We take five percent of the money which comes from taxpayers and five percent is shared among 92 local authorities. We hope ratepayers will show commitment and play their part.”
Gwanda Mayor Alderman Thulani Moyo underlined the significance of Phakama Primary School in alleviating congestion in other schools, particularly Jahunda Primary, which has over 2 000 pupils.
Devolution funds have enabled the council to meet its obligations, with the school being 90 percent complete.
“We needed to construct a new school and devolution came in handy. This school is 90 percent complete, and once we are done, we are moving to Spitzkop to construct another school,” said Ald Moyo.
In 2020, Gwanda residents decided to spearhead the construction of Phakama Primary School by mobilising resources from the ward at US$1 each towards buying building materials used to construct a slab for the classroom block.
Gwanda Municipality then used devolution funds for constructing the classroom block and purchasing furniture. The Government’s devolution agenda aims to promote inclusive development, leaving no one and no place behind. Devolution funds have transformed various districts in the Matabeleland region, supporting the construction of key infrastructure such as clinics, classroom blocks, roads, and bridges. —@DubeMatutu
Online Reporter