Online Reporter
Prosper Ndlovu, [email protected]
ONCE underserved communities across Matabeleland North Province are witnessing tangible improvements in healthcare, education and water access, with devolution funding delivering more than 40 clinics and a host of other development projects since its introduction under the Second Republic.
The milestone reflects the growing impact of devolution funding, which has empowered local authorities to implement community-driven projects and accelerate socio-economic development at the grassroots level in line with President Mnangagwa’s vision of leaving no place and no one behind.
Speaking in Nkayi District on Tuesday, Matabeleland North Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Richard Moyo, said devolution funding has played a critical role in improving service delivery and infrastructure development across the province since President Mnangagwa assumed office in 2017.
He said the funding mechanism was designed to accelerate development in all districts by equipping local authorities with resources to implement priority projects identified by communities.
Beyond the construction of more than 40 clinics, devolution funds have been used to build new schools, develop water infrastructure, procure roadworks and service delivery equipment, and support agricultural production initiatives.
Minister Moyo said the province has embarked on a ministerial interface programme covering all districts to assess development progress and gather community concerns. The exercise has so far covered Umguza, Bubi, Tsholotsho, Lupane, Nkayi and Hwange districts, with Binga set to conclude the programme.
Minister Moyo said concerns raised by residents in the district were largely similar to those being expressed in other parts of the province, particularly regarding stalled projects resulting from delays in the release of devolution funds.
He noted that several development projects in Matabeleland North have slowed down or remained incomplete due to the interruption in funding disbursements over the past two years and several months.
Minister Moyo said the province would continue engaging the Government to facilitate the release of the funds to enable local authorities to complete outstanding projects and sustain the development momentum achieved under the devolution programme.
He said devolution funding has become an indispensable development tool, particularly given that revenue generated by local authorities through rates and other charges is insufficient to meet the growing infrastructure and service delivery demands of communities.
The minister said communities across Matabeleland North have already witnessed the positive impact of devolution through improved access to healthcare, education, water and agricultural services, which continue to enhance livelihoods and contribute towards the attainment of Vision 2030.
He said the programme remains one of the Second Republic’s flagship interventions aimed at ensuring that development reaches every corner of the country and that local communities play a central role in determining their development priorities.
