Triumph for devolution as Jowa Clinic opens

IN a remarkable feat made possible by the over $236 million devolution funds allocated to the local authority, the eagerly awaited Jowa Clinic in Tsholotsho North constituency is on the verge of its grand commissioning, scheduled for early next month.

Initially launched with contributions from villagers through the Communal Areas Management Programme for Indigenous Resources (CAMPFIRE) funds, the clinic’s progress hit a snag due to financial constraints. However, thanks to the decisive action taken by the Tsholotsho Rural District Council, the project was able to tap into the devolution allocation to reach completion.

The Government recognised the vital role of devolution in achieving an upper-middle-income economy status by 2030. Devolution empowers citizens to actively participate in shaping the development agenda of their communities. The constitutional framework for devolution is outlined in Section 264 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, supplemented by subsidiary legislation such as the Urban Council Act, Rural Councils Act, Regional and Town and Country Planning Act, and Rural Councils and Administration Act. These laws establish the financing of devolution through intergovernmental fiscal transfers, aiming for at least five percent of national revenue in any given financial year, as mandated in section 301(3).

President Mnangagwa stressed the adoption of devolution as a crucial element of the 2013 Constitution, promoting national unity, preventing disunity and secessionism, and enhancing democratic participation in Government.

The completion of Jowa Clinic marks a momentous achievement for the region, sparing villagers from long and arduous journeys to access essential healthcare services. The clinic is all set for commissioning on August 4, with a dedicated nurse already stationed to cater to the community’s medical needs.

Mr Nkululeko Sibanda, the chief executive officer of Tsholotsho RDC, expressed excitement and gratitude for the successful execution of the project, crediting the utilisation of devolution funds in accordance with the constitutional mandate.

“We are extremely excited that Jowa clinic is now done, villagers were travelling long distances to access health facilities but thanks to the devolution funds, all that is now history. We shall be commissioning the clinic on August 4. We already have a nurse stationed there,” said Mr Sibanda.

Devolution has been enshrined in Zimbabwe’s Constitution since 2013, but its robust implementation gained momentum with the advent of the Second Republic under President Mnangagwa. The Government has increasingly allocated substantial sums to supplement local authorities’ efforts in funding crucial infrastructure projects in their respective areas.

The key objectives of devolution encompass the preservation and promotion of peace, national unity, and indivisibility, the recognition of communities’ rights to manage their own affairs and foster development, the equitable sharing of resources at the local and national levels, and the transfer of responsibilities and resources from the national government to establish a strong financial foundation for provincial, metropolitan councils, and local authorities.

Mr Sibanda expressed his satisfaction with the impact of devolution funds in Tsholotsho, citing a transformational shift in the district, including the acquisition of vehicles for efficient service delivery to the community.

“Naturally we would have wanted more as local authorities but nevertheless what we are getting has really helped us, Tsholotsho has transformed greatly as a result of the devolution funds, we are happy, excited and thankful to the Second Republic for walking the talk. Results are there for everyone to see,” said Mr Sibanda.