adminThe development comes in the wake of an outcry over the alleged marginalisation and under-development of the region.
Presenting the 2012 National Budget, Finance Minister Tendai Biti allocated US$10,5 million for the completion of the upgrading exercise at the Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport.
The new terminal building at the airport was initially scheduled to be commissioned in the first quarter of this year but has been postponed several times due to lack of funding.
Minister Biti said negotiations with private partners were under way for the upgrading of Victoria Falls Airport to international standards.
The Gwayi-Shangani Dam, which has been in limbo for the past four years, was allocated US$8 million up from last year’s US$4 million.
The dam is a major component of the National Matabeleland Zambezi Water Project (NMZWP), which is viewed as the long-term solution to Bulawayo’s perennial water woes.
The National University of Science and Technology (Nust)’s library was allocated US$7,5 million.
During the university’s 17th graduation ceremony recently, President Mugabe expressed concern at the slow pace at which construction was moving at the institution.
He said he would push his Government to complete the library next year.
Lupane State University, which is also under construction, was allocated US$7,7 million to be used in completing the university’s Faculty of Agriculture building.
Recently the Government availed US$10 million for the construction of students’ hostels at the university campus in Lupane.
At the moment the university is operating from the National Railways of Zimbabwe premises in Bulawayo.
Meanwhile, local authorities in the country got a reprieve in the budget following the removal of duty on essential equipment.
The local authorities have, among other challenges, been struggling to cope with refuse collection, or buying water treatment chemicals, largely depending on a subsidy from the United Nations Children Fund (Unicef).
Minister Biti said he was scrapping duty on imported fire fighting equipment, refuse collection equipment, water treatment chemicals and ambulances for the local authorities.
Minister Biti said when the budget was crafted, the views of citizens were considered.
“During the budget consultation we made across the country most people expressed concern over why everything was being done in Harare. They also expressed frustration over the discord in the country,” said Minister Biti.
He said the budget was going to be anchored on decentralising the services to the people. The Chronicle
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