admin
Pamela Shumba, Senior Reporter
PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa has urged all provinces to take devolution seriously and come up with strategies to improve their economies through exploitation of resources in their areas.
Addressing delegates at the commissioning of the TelOne national backbone fibre link in Beitbridge yesterday, the President said it is high time provinces stopped relying on Harare province as it has its own challenges.
“Each province must embrace devolution and change their approach to economic growth. No more waiting for Harare. Like any other province, Harare has its own challenges, which they must resolve and will not be able to address challenges in other provinces.
“We must look at ourselves as provinces and see how we can grow our economy and better the lives of our own people. Matabeleland South is endowed with minerals, in that regard people in the province should find ways of attracting global capital to come and exploit the minerals, bring technologies, skills to exploit the available minerals in this province,” said President Mnangagwa.
He said as he was touring Beitbridge, he saw wild animals and thriving orchards of oranges, which was a sign that the province has great potential economically.
“You need to come together as the Government, Rural District Councils (RDCs), traditional leaders and the communities. You know what you have and all you need is to be supported by the Government on the programme you initiate and have your own GDP which must continue to grow year by year.
“Infrastructure, roads construction, railway and other developmental entities can be achieved in the province. This is where we’re going. This is the manner in which we’ll develop our country. Responsibility lies with every single citizen of this country,” said President Mnangagwa.
He said everyone has a duty to contribute towards the development of their provinces and the country as a whole.
Finance and Economic Development Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube allocated $310 million to facilitate devolution of power to provincial councils.
Government has since approved the Principles of the Provincial Councils and Administration Amendment Bill, which spells out the mechanisms of decentralisation and devolution.
Provincial Governments will be allocated five percent of the Government revenue for the development of local authorities.
– @pamelashumba1
Online Reporter