Chronicle Editor
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]
LOCAL authorities in Matabeleland South have urged the Government to review procurement processes under the devolution fund to give preference to local suppliers.
Speaking on behalf of rural councils during a recent Matabeleland South Provincial Development Committee (PDC) meeting, Mangwe Rural District Council chief executive officer, Mr Bongani Ngwenya said tenders for projects under the devolution programme should be awarded to suppliers based in the district where the project is being implemented.
He said this will help to ensure that local companies benefit from the devolution programme.
“We continue to recommend that there should be flexibility in procurement regulations to accommodate more local supplies,” said Mr Ngwenya.
“Devolution is a much bigger concept that wants to bring local people in the play of economic activities. When we talk of devolution, we should also talk about it in terms of how local people come on board in participating in devolution programmes.
“This is the essence of His Excellency, President Mnangagwa’s mantra that no one and no place should be left behind. Procurement regulations should be made flexible so that local players can also participate and benefit from devolution programmes in their areas.”
Mr Ngwenya said a special dispensation should also be created for local authorities in terms of access to fuel as most suppliers were charging in forex.
He also said the volumes they get were affected by the exchange rate hence mobility challenges were making it difficult for rural local authorities to monitor devolution programmes.
“Rural local authorities are administering communities that are far apart where our presence is required on a regular basis. If we cannot get there and monitor these projects it means that implementation of these projects suffers,” he said.
Mr Ngwenya said the devolution funds play a crucial role as they have helped councils to fulfil their service delivery obligations.
The Government last year disbursed over $3 billion in devolution funds to Matabeleland South rural local authorities, which has seen implementation of key service delivery projects.
The devolution funds have assisted local authorities in the province to fulfil their obligation of ensuring improved access to social amenities across the country through the development of key infrastructure such as clinics, classroom blocks, roads, bridges and street lighting among other facilities.
In Bulilima devolution funds have assisted with works on Madlambuzi, Mbimba, Makumbi, Mambo, and Gwambe clinics, Mafa Primary, Hingwe Primary, Goba Primary, Zompata, Primary and Ndiweni Primary schools.
In Mangwe projects include Greystone Primary, Makorokoro Secondary, Marula Secondary, Mzila Primary, Ekukhanyeni Secondary, Makorokoro Clinic, Izimnyama Clinic and renovations at Marula Clinic.
Umzingwane projects include the construction of Shale Primary classroom block, Zimbili Clinic renovation, tower lights upgrade and purchasing of office furniture. In Matobo major projects include Mlugulu Clinic, which was commissioned this year, renovations on Gwangwe Primary and Sakhonjani Primary School.
In Insiza projects include Montrose Clinic, Shangani Secondary, Fort Rixon Secondary, Artherstone Primary, Bekezela Township Market upgrade and purchasing of a motorised grader.
Beitbridge RDC projects include Dumba Clinic, electrification of Mazumba Clinic, Mtangamuchena Secondary and Matshiloni Secondary School classroom block construction.
Gwanda RDC projects include Tshanyaugwe Clinic construction, Garanyemba Clinic waiting mother’s shelter, Mashaba Clinic waiting mother’s shelter, Zhukwe Primary ECD Shelter, Zhukwe Primary ECD block and Makokwe Primary School ECD block.
Online Reporter