Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]
THE Minister of State for Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Cde Albert Nguluvhe, says enhanced co-ordination and the acceleration of devolution projects are vital to unlocking the province’s full potential and achieving the targets set under Vision 2030.
In an interview, Cde Nguluvhe said assessments are being conducted across all seven districts to identify lagging areas, which will then be prioritised for development.
He noted that the Government is actively engaged in drilling boreholes across the province under the Presidential Borehole Drilling Scheme, which commenced in Beitbridge and will move on to Insiza District. The project targets the drilling of 48 boreholes per district.
“As the President has said, no place should be left behind. In any project I spearhead as Minister, I will ensure that all seven districts benefit equally, as the province comprises seven districts,” said Cde Nguluvhe.
“This will also apply to constituencies, wards and villages. At present, I have engaged Zinwa regarding the drilling of boreholes across all districts. My goal is to start with 48 boreholes in each district,” he added.
“To guide this process, I have tasked my office with conducting a comprehensive assessment of the water supply situation in each district. I want to identify areas in dire need of water so that they are prioritised.
“I believe in equity. Some areas have recently benefitted from borehole projects, and now it’s time to focus on others so that all communities have access to clean water, a basic right and a key development enabler.”
Cde Nguluvhe emphasised that the devolution strategy must be embraced by all Government agencies, development partners and line ministries, to ensure inclusive development.
He said the same approach would be applied across sectors to guarantee that all districts progress at the same pace, in line with the national vision of leaving no one and no place behind.
“This requires a well coordinated and informed development framework to drive the attainment of Vision 2030,” he said.
Cde Nguluvhe said his development strategy focuses on fostering collaboration among key stakeholders, including party leadership, Government officials and traditional leaders.
“Traditional leaders are in daily contact with the people. Government works for the people, and the party received its mandate from the people. These three arms must work together to achieve meaningful development,” he said.
“Government workers are implementing the policies of Zanu-PF and the party’s authority stems from traditional leaders. We must co-ordinate our efforts as we support the vision of His Excellency, Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa.”
The Minister said the province possesses vast potential and natural resources that can be harnessed to drive development. He pledged to engage the corporate sector, especially mining companies, to do more in terms of corporate social responsibility, giving back to the communities from which they profit.
He also noted that steps would be taken to register and formalise small-scale miners for better regulation and monitoring.
Cde Nguluvhe further urged local authorities to ensure fair and equal distribution of devolution projects across all wards and villages.
@DubeMatutu
