Online Reporter
Patrick Chitumba, Zimpapers Reporter
THE Government’s devolution and decentralisation agenda continues to yield tangible results in the Midlands Province, with over 1 052 community development projects successfully implemented across all 14 local authorities. These initiatives are transforming lives and stimulating local economic growth.
Speaking during an interactive meeting held in Gweru on Wednesday with Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe, councillors and traditional leaders, the Minister of State for Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Owen Ncube, commended the Second Republic for accelerating the devolution drive.
He noted that the programme has empowered communities — from the provincial level down to villages — to identify their own priorities, allocate resources, and implement development initiatives that directly respond to local needs.
“The devolution-funded projects are a testament to the Government’s commitment to decentralising power and resources to local authorities, enabling them to drive growth and improve livelihoods in their respective areas,” said Minister Ncube.
He highlighted key infrastructure developments, including road upgrades such as the Shurugwi, Mhandamabwe and Kwekwe-Chitekete roads, alongside improvements in health, education and social amenities.
“Over 1 052 devolution-funded projects have been implemented in the Midlands Province, including clinics, schools, market stalls, community halls and street lighting — all aimed at improving the quality of life for our people,” he said.
Minister Ncube also pointed to a surge in private sector-led investments across mining, agriculture, manufacturing, construction and tourism, which continue to boost the province’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). He urged local authorities to manage devolution funds and internally generated revenue with transparency and efficiency, to ensure accountability and value for money.
“As the Midlands Province continues to benefit from the devolution programme, we are confident that these projects will have a lasting impact on local communities, driving economic growth and improving living standards,” he said.
The engagement forum, Minister Ncube added, aligns with Vision 2030 and President Mnangagwa’s call for results-oriented, people-centred and servant leadership.
“As we approach the end of 2025, such meetings are crucial for performance reviews and strategic planning in line with the President’s Vision 2030 Accelerator Call to Action — ‘No Compromise to Service Delivery’,” he said.
The Vision 2030 blueprint sets minimum service delivery standards in housing, community services, water supply, sanitation, waste management, roads, lighting, corporate governance, and environmental stewardship. Minister Ncube emphasised that local authorities and traditional leaders remain key players in the country’s efforts to modernise and industrialise the economy.
“I commend some chiefs in the province, who regularly invite me to ward assemblies and community meetings as we collectively confront challenges such as drug and substance abuse, climate change and disinformation by detractors, who ignore the tangible development taking place through Government-led projects,” he said.
However, Minister Ncube expressed concern over reports of illegal land parcelling and non-compliance by mining companies in paying local rates.
“This is unacceptable. I urge traditional leaders and local authorities, as custodians of the land, to enforce by-laws without fear or favour,” he said.
He also praised President Mnangagwa for capacitating traditional leaders and law enforcement agencies through the timely provision of vehicles and the rehabilitation of access roads to enhance mobility and economic activity.
“The Midlands Province is grateful to the President for continuously strengthening our traditional leadership and service delivery structures,” he said.
