Chronicle Editor
Patrick Chitumba, Midlands Bureau Chief
GOVERNMENT has disbursed more than ZW$342 million to local authorities in the Midlands province since 2019 in a development that has resulted in the implementation of community driven projects.
Midlands province has eight districts which all got a share of the devolution funds.
According to a monthly newsletter released by Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Larry Mavima, the new dispensation has been doing wonders in terms of disbursing of devolution funds to the province.
“As the Midlands Province we have so far received ZW$342 816 952,90 since 2019. In the year 2021 alone, the total amount disbursed is ZW$165 329 361,08 and we are expecting more funds,” he said.
Minister Mavima said through the devolution funds, the province is focusing on improving service delivery through improving access to water, sanitation services, health facilities, decent educational infrastructure, decent housing as well as provision of decent work-spaces for small to medium enterprises.
“Some of the projects which were implemented and completed through the use of devolution funds are the procurement of road equipment by all local authorities, water reticulation system — Redcliff Municipality, Kwekwe Infectious Diseases Hospital, Kwekwe City. Installation of high and low lift pumps by Gweru City, WASH Boreholes (drilling mechanisation) by Zibagwe RDC, Vungu RDC, Chirumhanzu RDC, Mberengwa RDC, construction of school blocks and clinics, among others,” he said.
Minister Mavima said there are several projects which are still underway.
“These include Msena Clinic (Chirumhanzu), Hunters Secondary School Block (Zibagwe RDC), Mbizo 7 Urban renewal, Mabula Sewer treatment plant (Zvishavane Town Council), Marira water supply (Runde RDC), among others. Some of the funds have also been utilised to repair infrastructure damaged by rains across the province, particularly in schools,” said the Minister.
Since 2013, Minister Mavima said little had been done to implement the devolution agenda.
“However, the new dispensation has since made tremendous progress to implement the devolution agenda. I would like to express gratitude to the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, His Excellency, Dr Cde ED Mnangagwa for driving the devolution agenda.
Devolution was adopted as a key component of the new Constitution of Zimbabwe in 2013 and is recognised as one of the Founding Values and Principles of the Constitution,” he said.
Minister Mavima said devolution is meant to transform people’s lives in their respective provinces.
“The people in the Midlands province are experiencing a different kind of socio-economic devolution induced growth which they have a hand in using devolution funds which are changing their livelihoods.
“Devolution also promotes Local Resources Management and the Midlands Province’s economy exudes tremendous potential to grow given the province’s immense resource endowments that gives it a greater comparative advantage,” he said.
Minister Mavima said the province boasts of vast mineral endowments, a huge human capital base and climatic conditions conducive for diversified agricultural activities.
“In this regard, we project greater development in the province through the use of our local resources. The Government is supporting the devolution agenda through the disbursements of devolution funds to all local authorities. My office’s role is to monitor and ensure the smooth implementation of the devolution agenda. We also monitor the progress of projects and render assistance to Local Authorities where they are facing challenges,” he said.
Minister Mavima said to successfully implement the devolution agenda, there is a need for traditional leaders and communities to play a key role to identify projects and support the execution of projects in their respective areas.
“We have encountered a few challenges such as late disbursements of funds from the Treasury as well as challenges related to the Covid-19 pandemic, which affected progress as most of the projects are community based and require community participation,” he said.
“I urge all local authorities to shun corruption and the misuse of the devolution funds as they are meant for the people and development in communities. Devolution is the key to achieve our Vision 2030 goals.”
Online Reporter