Chronicle Editor
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]
COMPLETION of the new Gwanda Magistrates’ Court Complex requires a funding injection of US$3,84 million, according to a senior Government official.
The Gwanda Magistrates’ Court Complex will house the country’s sixth high court once finished and will play a crucial role in providing effective judiciary services in line with the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1).
In a report on infrastructure and utilities, housing delivery presented at a joint sitting of the Matabeleland South Provincial Development Committee (PDC) and the Zanu-PF Provincial Co-ordinating Committee on Thursday, Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister, Dr Evelyn Ndlovu, said other projects requiring funding include the Tuli-Manyange Dam construction, the Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Polytechnic Home Economics Complex and the Filabusi Registry Offices, among others.
“We have ongoing projects that need funding, hence I implore you to allow me to solicit your esteemed intervention and support in facilitating the disbursement of funding from the Ministry of Finance, to bring to fruition the long-standing infrastructure projects in the province,” said Dr Ndlovu.
“The Gwanda Provincial Magistrate Court building is at 65 percent physical completion and requires US$3,84 million for it to be completed.”
Construction of the Gwanda Court Complex began in June 2004 but works stalled in 2008 due to financial constraints. The project resumed in 2019 but stopped again. Work resumed in April last year after the Government allocated resources.
Gwanda does not have a proper court structure, forcing court officials to use makeshift courtrooms at various Government complexes in the town.
The court has an establishment of six magistrates who take turns utilising two small makeshift courtrooms.
Hopes are high that the new complex will accommodate approximately 500 Government workers once completed.
It will house all relevant departments within the court system, including the High Court, which will allow trials of cases like murder and divorce. This will ensure the timely completion of cases and provide an effective justice system.
Dr Ndlovu said the Tuli-Manyange Dam is a critical water harvesting infrastructure, which will increase the water storage capacity of the province and support irrigation development for food security and nutrition.
The JM Poly College, Home Economics Block will enable the college to increase student enrolment, upgrade learning facilities and resources, improve campus infrastructure and enable income generation through the provision of dry cleaning services, she said.
Dr Ndlovu also noted that the province’s road network is in bad shape and needs urgent attention as this affects economic activities. She said the Gwanda-Maphisa Road, which connects the provincial capital Gwanda to other towns, needs to be rehabilitated.
She said the Zhove Irrigation Scheme in Beitbridge is an essential agricultural water management system that enhances crop yields, improves water use efficiency, supports sustainable climate-smart agriculture practices and improves livelihoods, food security and nutrition.
The meeting took place during a familiarisation tour by the Minister of State for Presidential Affairs and Devolution in the Office of the President and Cabinet, Lovemore Matuke. — @DubeMatutu.
Online Reporter