adminWalter Mswazie Masvingo Correspondent|
MWENEZI Rural District Council (RDC) is shifting its focus in line with the devolution agenda after it received $1,2 million from Government to roll our infrastructure projects.
In an interview yesterday, the local authority’s chief executive Mr Albert Chivanga said they had already completed crafting an action plan and identified key projects that will be funded by the money. “We have received our first and second batch of devolution funds,” he said.
“Firstly, we received $755 000 which we have utilised by paying deposit for a tipper for road maintenance.
We used the money under capital equipment cluster.
“The second batch, which is $474 000, will be used to construct nine classroom block at various schools in Mwenezi.”
Mr Chivanga said the action plan included some projects whose funding had not yet been released, but were also under the devolution initiative.
He said they were looking to complete most projects by the end of next year.
“While the money we have received is not enough, we will continue with our projects under the devolution trajectory,” said Mr Chivanga.
“We have also procured hardware equipment for the construction of a clinic in Ward 16 under Bubi area.
“It is our hope that by the end of next year, most projects would have been completed.” Government has so far released $31 million of devolution money to Masvingo province, with Chiredzi and Mwenezi Rural District Councils (RDCs) getting the biggest chunk of the money.
Mwenezi has been allocated $3 044 337,54, while Masvingo Rural District Council got $2 832 894, with Chivi RDC also getting the same amount.
Chiredzi got $3 211 876,51, Bikita received $2 892 547,40, Gutu got $2 877794,38, while Zaka had $2 931 952,88.
Masvingo City Council and Chiredzi Town Council received $1 779 826,58 and $1 870 792,22 respectively.
Government has since set aside a budget of $310 million towards devolution, as enacted in section 264 of the Zimbabwe Constitution.
Peter Tanyanyiwa
Online Reporter