Chronicle Editor
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, Matabeleland South Bureau
MATABELELAND South province is already enjoying the benefits of the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) which has seen projects meant to transform the people’s livelihoods being implemented.
Projects being implemented in Gwanda include the construction of the Tuli-Manyange Dam, resuscitation of Guyu-Chelesa Sebasa Irrigation Scheme, establishment of Mtshabezi Irrigation Scheme and construction of Mandihongola and Tshanyaugwe clinics.
Speaking during an NDS1 information dissemination meeting in Gwanda on Wednesday, Ward 14 Councillor, Phineas Maphosa said once fully implemented, the NDS1 will unlock the potential of the province thereby improving livelihoods.
The Ministry of Finance and Economic Development has embarked on an intensive NDS1 information dissemination across the country. The main objective of the exercise is to promote shared understanding, build confidence and enhance stakeholder participation and contribution in the implementation of development projects.
The exercise also seeks to raise awareness on the roles of various stakeholders and contributing partners.
The exercise also seeks to flag out key infrastructure projects being implemented by the Government.
NDS1, which charts policies, institutional reforms and national priorities needed from 2021-2025 to achieve an upper middle-income economy under Vision 2030, was launched in November 2020 by President Mnangagwa.
The overarching goal of the NDS1 is to ensure an accelerated, inclusive and sustainable economic growth as well as socio-economic transformation and development as the country moves towards an upper middle-income society by 2030.
The economic blueprint is a culmination of an extensive consultative process involving various stakeholders.
The World Bank has since welcomed the NDS1, saying it would go a long way in helping the country’s economic recovery efforts, particularly Government’s thrust to embark on reforms and engagement efforts.
“The Second Republic under the leadership of President Mnangagwa is constructing the Tuli Manyange Dam among other projects. We have already set aside 3 000 hectares of land in the ward towards establishing an irrigation scheme. We also have Guyu-Chelesa Irrigation Scheme in the ward which is now operational,” said Clr Maphosa
Gwanda Rural District Council chairperson, Clr Joram Ndlovu said the district is benefiting from all pillars of the NDS1.
He said the devolution programme has also accelerated development in the district.
“We see schools and clinics being constructed in the district. Irrigation schemes are being rehabilitated and new ones are being established. The road network is being worked on across the district,” said Clr Ndlovu.
Ward 15 Councillor Pilate Ndlovu commended the Government under the Second Republic for spearheading development in rural areas.
Speaking during the same meeting, Ministry of Finance and Economic Development chief director for communications and advocacy, Mr Clive Mphambela urged stakeholders in the province to ensure that they grow their GDP in order to contribute towards attainment of Vision 2030.
He said the World Bank in July removed the country from classification of a low income country to a lower middle-income country, which effectively means that the country is already making progress in its quest to be an upper middle-income nation.
“As a country we are pulling in the same direction as we fight to reduce poverty. The projects being implemented under NDS1 should come from the people and not us as Treasury,” said Mphambela.
Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution secretary, Mrs Latiso Dlamini- Maseko said the development of the province is anchored on its Provincial Economic Development Plan (PEDP) 2021-2025. — @DubeMatutu
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