PRAZ opens office in Bulawayo to expand services

GOVERNMENT continues to promote devolution and decentralisation of services, which has seen many State enterprises establishing offices in different towns and cities to bring services close to the people.

On Wednesday, the Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (Praz)’s Pavilion was officially opened at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre. The pavilion will also serve as offices for Bulawayo province and its environs.

Vice President, Constantino Chiwenga, who was accompanied by his wife Colonel Miniyothabo Baloyi-Chiwenga, presided over the ceremony.

In his address, VP Chiwenga said devolution and decentralisation of services are meant to harness the potential of every corner of the country.

“Today, we gather here to mark a significant milestone in our nation’s journey towards devolution and decentralisation. By establishing this pavilion outside the confines of the capital city, as Praz you are sending a clear message that every citizen matters,” said VP Chiwenga.

“This is a clear demonstration of our President, Dr ED Mnangagwa’s development trust of leaving no one and no place behind.”

VP Chiwenga said decentralisation is at the core of the Second Republic’s economic transformation and development agenda.

“We firmly believe that by devolving power and resources to lower tiers of Government, we can unlock the immense potential that lies within them,” he said.

“It is through decentralisation that we can create vibrant economic ecosystems and empower local communities.”

He urged other State enterprises to similarly take bold steps to decentralise to other parts of the country, so that Government services are accessible nationwide.

The devolution principle is enshrined in the Constitution, in Section 264 titled “Devolution of Governmental powers and responsibilities”.

The section states that whenever appropriate, Governmental powers and responsibilities must be devolved to provincial and metropolitan councils and local authorities that are competent to carry out those responsibilities efficiently and effectively.

Devolution is captured in two chapters of the Constitution namely Chapter Two, which deals with the political arrangements and Chapter 14, which deals with the financial provisions.

In her remarks, Praz board chair, Ms Ntombenhle Moyo, said they firmly believed that effective governance requires proximity to the stakeholders they serve.

She said decentralisation will enable them to provide timely support, guidance and oversight to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of procurement activities.

“The commissioning of this new building is a testament to our vision and commitment to excellence. We are here to testify our annual theme of Sustainable Procurement, witnessing a sustainable project,” said Ms Moyo.

“This new building symbolises our unwavering dedication to this vision, serving as a physical manifestation of our commitment to progress, with among other features, deliberate provision for renewable solar energy to power it.”

In addition to opening a satellite office in Bulawayo, Ms Moyo said citizens can also access Praz services across the country at the community information centres within Zimpost offices and online, in the comfort of their homes without having to travel to Harare. — @SikhulekelaniM1