Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu
STAKEHOLDERS in Gwanda have stressed the need for timely disbursement of funds allocated under the 2025 National Budget, particularly those earmarked for critical infrastructure and social services such as education, roads, water supply and devolution.
The appeals were voiced during a recent feedback meeting on the 2025 National Budget hosted by the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Budget, Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion.
The committee is conducting follow-up engagements with citizens across the country to provide updates on the extent to which public submissions have been incorporated into the final budget, aligning with principles of transparency and accountability.
One of the primary concerns raised by Gwanda residents was the delayed release of Basic Education Assistance Module (Beam) funds, which they argue hampers access to education for vulnerable children.
“We have critical programmes like Beam that are meant to uplift underprivileged children and uphold their right to education,” remarked Ms Alice Masawi, a local resident. She criticised the delays, sometimes spanning a year, which place unnecessary strain on both beneficiaries and schools.
“There’s a need for the Government to urgently prioritise the timely release of these funds so the programme can be effective,” Ms Masawi said.
Discussions also centred on roads and water infrastructure, with residents voicing concerns about the deteriorating condition of key roads connecting economic hubs within the province. Another local, Ms Bridget Ncube, urged authorities to prioritise funding for the rehabilitation of the Gwanda-Manama and Gwanda-Maphisa roads, which she described as vital for the movement of goods, services and people across Matabeleland South.
“These roads are crucial for economic activities in our region, but their poor condition is forcing motorists to take long and costly alternative routes. This hampers trade, transport and access to services,” she said.
Ms Ncube also addressed the ongoing water shortages affecting Gwanda town and surrounding rural areas.
“Our town faces serious water shortages and the municipality often cites lack of funding to upgrade the water supply system. If devolution funds were released on time, councils could carry out these critical upgrades.
“There’s also a pressing need to develop water infrastructure in rural areas, where many communities still struggle to access clean and reliable water,” Ms Ncube said.
The 2025 National Budget, presented under the theme “Building Resilience for Sustained Economic Transformation,” represents the final financial plan under the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) framework.
The budget is grounded in the following key projections: Economic growth of six percent in 2025, supported by robust performances in sectors such as agriculture (11, 3 percent), mining (11 percent), manufacturing (6,5 percent), electricity and water (18,8 percent), construction (7,2 percent), transport (7,1 percent) and financial services (7,2 percent).
Revenue is projected at ZWG270,3 billion, with overall expenditure forecasted at ZWG276,4 billion.
The anticipated budget deficit stands at ZWG6,1 billion, while public debt is estimated at US$21,1 billion as of September 2024.
