Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]
A total of 43 devolution projects have been completed in Matabeleland South Province after the Government released US$2.3 million under the 46th Independence Anniversary Legacy Projects Programme.
Presenting the Regional Development, Inclusivity Through Devolution and Decentralisation Thematic Committee report during a recent Matabeleland South Provincial Development Committee meeting, Deputy Director in the
Ministry of Local Government, Mr Simon Muleya, said the projects include the construction of schools, clinics, bridges and roads, among other infrastructure.
Mr Muleya said 188 devolution projects have been initiated in the province since 2019, although some stalled due to funding constraints.
He said the opportunity presented by the hosting of the national Independence Day celebrations had enabled the completion of a number of outstanding projects.
“Under the 46th Independence anniversary legacy projects programme, 10 local authorities’ submitted proposals for the 43 projects that were over 70 percent complete and required at total of US$2, 3 million to reach completion,” he said.
“Funding was availed resulting in the successful completion of all the projects. The completed projects are now awaiting commissioning. Local authorities had devolution projects, which they started in 2019 but have stalled because of financial challenges.”
Mr Muleya said projects initiated in the province since 2019 include the construction of 50 clinics, 55 health sector projects, 35 infrastructure projects covering roads, bridges and sewer systems, 36 projects in the water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) sector, and about 12 tourism projects. He said the outstanding projects are at various stages of completion.
He added that local authorities have also mobilised their own resources to facilitate the completion of devolution projects as part of efforts to improve service delivery.
Minister of State for Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Albert Nguluvhe, said it remains a Government priority to ensure that all outstanding legacy projects currently underway are completed this year.
He said the projects would have a significant impact on communities and drive socio-economic development in line with National Development Strategy 2.
“The legacy projects that were introduced in Matabeleland South are very critical as they impact on people’s lives in various ways. They cut across various sectors such as health, education, transport, infrastructure among others hence the need for these projects to be completed timeously.
“Government has committed to facilitating the completion of these projects and as the minister of the area will work tirelessly to coordinate, supervise and monitor to ensure the work doesn’t stop but continues at an even faster pace,” he said.
Minister Nguluvhe urged residents to support legacy projects being implemented across the province, saying the narrative that Matabeleland South is marginalised should now be relegated to the past.
He said the projects would deliver long-term benefits for future generations and called on communities to actively participate in the development of their areas.
“This developments we are seeing in the province as well as the opportunity we were given to host this year’s Independence Day Celebrations is in line with Government’s mantra of leaving no one and no place behind. Indeed, here in Matabeleland South province, we have not been left behind,” said Minister Nguluvhe.
On Independence Day, President Mnangagwa commissioned several infrastructure and development projects aimed at strengthening the local economy and improving rural infrastructure.
Among the projects commissioned was the Mahetshe Primary School Business Unit, where a one-hectare garden was established. The project includes a 1.5-horsepower solar-powered borehole, drip irrigation facilities, fishponds and 10 000-litre water storage tanks to enhance agricultural education and livelihoods.
A computer laboratory at Mahetshe Primary School was also refurbished, with the school receiving 200 laptops.
Under the War Veterans Housing Scheme, houses were constructed for veterans of the liberation struggle through the Presidential Investment Advisor Programme.
Government also installed a water reticulation system in the Mafuyane area and constructed a 14.3-kilometre electricity line to connect schools and surrounding communities.
Matabeleland South Province hosted this year’s Independence Day celebrations, while Masvingo Province is set to host the commemorations next year.
The host provinces are selected in line with Cabinet-approved criteria governing the annual Independence Day and Children’s Party celebrations.
The Second Republic’s Devolution Agenda has ushered in a transformative shift by decentralising these national events and introducing a rotational hosting system among the country’s 10 provinces, beginning in 2021.
Under the rotation system, Harare hosted in 2021, Bulawayo in 2022, Mashonaland Central in 2023, Manicaland in 2024 and Midlands in 2025.
The initiative is intended to leverage national celebrations to stimulate infrastructure development and economic growth in host provinces.
