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Herald Reporters
The Welshman Mabhena Complex in Lupane is now complete and ready for occupation, with the provincial Government services set to start operating from the offices from September 1.
Lupane is the provincial capital for Matabeleland North.
Operating from Lupane will be a major milestone since civil servants from various departments had been operating from Bulawayo.
A lack of housing has been flagged as one of the major causes for the delays in relocation, resulting in most civil servants deployed in Matabeleland North operating from Mhlahlandlela Government Complex in Bulawayo, affecting the efficiency of services and gobbling a lot of money.
Speaking at the post-Cabinet media briefing on Tuesday this week, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Dr Jenfan Muswere, said the Welshman Mabhena Complex had been completed, while construction of houses for civil servants was nearing completion.
Dr Muswere said 19 houses had been allocated to 55 Government officials from different ministries, departments and agencies, who volunteered to relocate immediately.
“The houses can be immediately completed, while the Government offices can also be utilised before the end of the third quarter of 2024,” said Dr Muswere.
“Cabinet considered the report on the relocation of Matabeleland North provincial offices from Bulawayo Metropolitan Province to Lupane Centre, as presented by the Honourable Vice President Col (Rtd) KCD Mohadi.
“The civil servants’ houses are 90 percent complete, while the Government complex is complete.”
VP Mohadi was in Lupane in June, where he expressed concern over delays in the completion of accommodation for civil servants and issued a six-month ultimatum to responsible authorities to complete the project.
“Accordingly, the public will be served from the provincial capital, Lupane, with effect from September 1, 2024,” said Dr Muswere.
Construction of the Welshman Mabhena Complex began in 2012, following Lupane’s designation as the provincial capital of Matabeleland North in 1999.
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