derick.khumalo
Nqobile Bhebhe
[email protected]
BULAWAYO Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Judith Ncube has commended the Parliament of Zimbabwe for taking national programmes to provinces, saying the decentralised approach not only strengthens legislative capacity but also stimulates local economies and promotes domestic tourism.
She made the remarks as four Parliamentary Portfolio Committees convene in Bulawayo for a four-day capacity-building workshop aimed at strengthening oversight of public finance management and the national budget process.
The participating committees are Energy and Power Development; Environment, Climate and Wildlife; Information and Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services; and Media, Information and Broadcasting Services.
Speaking during the workshop, Minister Ncube said Parliament’s decision to rotate national programmes across provinces aligns with the country’s devolution agenda while creating economic opportunities for host cities.
“The decision by the Parliament of Zimbabwe to host the national programs in provinces such as Bulawayo is highly commendable.
“Beyond sharpening the capacity of honourable members and parliamentary staff, such initiatives promote domestic tourism, stimulate the local economy and support our hotels, transport operators, restaurants and small business sales, all while showcasing the immense investment and tourism potential that Bulawayo has to offer.”
She said the initiative reflects Parliament’s commitment to ensuring national institutions contribute to inclusive development across all provinces.
“This decentralised approach is a clear demonstration of Parliament’s commitment to ensuring that national institutions contribute meaningfully to inclusive provincial development, in keeping with our national development.”
Minister Ncube described the workshop as both timely and significant, noting that strengthening Parliament’s oversight capabilities is critical to enhancing accountability and improving public service delivery.
“Parliament plays a pivotal role in safeguarding transparency, accountability and the prudent management of public resources, strengthening the capacity of honourable members and Parliament staff in budget analysis and public finance management will undoubtedly sharpen Parliament’s oversight role and ultimately translate into improved service delivery for the people of Zimbabwe.”
The workshop is expected to equip legislators and parliamentary staff with enhanced skills in analysing national budgets, monitoring public expenditure and strengthening oversight of Government programmes, in line with constitutional and public finance management obligations.
The capacity-building programme also reinforces Parliament’s role in promoting sound governance, transparency and accountability while supporting the implementation of national development priorities through effective legislative oversight.
