Government lauds Umguza RDC for implementing capital projects

GOVERNMENT has praised the Umguza Rural District Council (RDC) in Matabeleland North Province for successfully funding its capital projects despite facing financial difficulties that have affected many local authorities across the country.

The commendation was made during the commissioning of a newly tarred two kilometre stretch of road and two earth-moving machines in Ntabazinduna, a project valued at over US$500 000.

Speaking at the event, Local Government and Public Works Minister, Daniel Garwe, represented by his deputy, Engineer Benjamin Kabikira, acknowledged the financial and operational challenges faced by Umguza RDC.

These included low disbursement of devolution funds — below 50 percent since 2020 — and delayed funding from the Treasury and the Zimbabwe National Road Administration (Zinara).

Minister Garwe also highlighted issues such as inflation-driven price changes, a lack of skilled personnel and equipment shortages. “Despite all these challenges, Umguza RDC has done a great job that we are all gathered here to witness. Furthermore, cash disbursements of devolution funds have been below 50 percent since 2020,” he said.

“There’s also late disbursements of funds by Treasury and Zimbabwe National Road Administration (Zinara) to road authorities. Inadequacy of equipment in Road Authorities, lack of response to local authorities’ tenders and desertion of sites by contractors due to non-payment.”

Minister Garwe said the completion of the road infrastructure marks a significant milestone in improving connectivity, safety and economic growth in the district.

The road connects key institutions such as the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) and the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) training depots, as well as linking Umguza and Bubi districts.

The road also connects the two districts of Umguza and Bubi. A total of US$300 000 was invested in the Ntabazinduna Road surfacing project, with funding from the council’s own resources and Zinara transfers.

The majority of the work was executed using council-owned equipment, with specialised work outsourced for bituminous surfacing. The target is to complete the entire 15km road in phases.

“Outsourcing of equipment was only for specialised works, which is bituminous surfacing. The project was done in a phased approach, the overall target is to surface the entire 15km stretch of the road,” said Minister Garwe.

In addition to the road, two pieces of earth-moving equipment, a cubic metre bucket excavator costing US$140 000 and a 14-tonne iron vibratory roller costing US$110 000, were commissioned, further aiding the district’s infrastructure projects.

Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Richard Moyo, whose speech was read by deputy director, Mr Dhasai Parenda, noted that good road infrastructure is critical for attracting investment and ensuring the smooth delivery of essential services, particularly during the ongoing El-Nino-induced drought.

“The ongoing El Nino-induced drought food deficit mitigation strategies hinges on trafficable roads to reach out to every community so that no one is left out. It helps in ensuring smooth delivery of goods and services and access to health care, education and banking services,” said Minister Moyo.

Umguza RDC Engineer, Queen Masocha said the road, which is six metres wide, was constructed with a solar street lighting system and signage aligned with SADC standards.