The ManicaPost
Abel Zhakata
Senior Reporter
GOVERNMENT has disbursed over $140 million to Manicaland’s 10 rural and urban local authorities for devolution programmes that have seen a number of community projects being rolled out.
These include the retooling of some of the municipalities with plant equipment and related accessories.
At $43 million, Mutare City Council received the biggest chunk and this was used to fund the rehabilitation of Sakubva Stadium, the ongoing upgrading of the Dangamvura water pipeline, the repair of the Pungwe raw water pipeline, installation of solar street lights in the Central Business District, installation of traffic lights and the rehabilitation of the Mutare Infectious Disease Hospital.
Manicaland Provincial Development Coordinator, Mr Edgars Seenza, said devolution funds were ushering in a new development perspective that was taking everyone on board.
He said most projects that were started last year could have been completed by now, but Covid-19 induced lockdowns stalled progress.
“A total of $321 million was requested by 10 local authorities in the province for several community projects but due to constraints resulting from the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic,about $70 million was released to these councils,” he said.
“I am happy with the transparent manner exhibited by these councils in carrying out the community projects which have greatly affected the lives of locals in a positive way. We are seeking the opinions of members of the community in coming up with projects that best suit their concerns and help alleviate poverty.
“We don’t want a situation whereby community leaders choose to build a bridge when villagers are in great need of a dip tank.
“There should be serious consultation between the local authorities and the relevant stakeholders in coming up with projects that quickly answer pressing issues in any given society,” he said.
The disbursement of devolution funds has brought hope to once marginalised communities that were falling short in terms of development.
Buhera Rural District Council has so far received about $13 million which was used to procure road maintenance equipment.
The local authority bought a service vehicle and a commuter omnibus for use by workers in carrying out duties in the district.
Mbundire Clinic is being built using the same funds and is 90 percent complete.
Vhiriri Primary School, which is now 95 percent complete, received $200 000 which was used to finance part of the project.
A total of $1,2 million was set aside for the installation of three borehole headworks.
Chimanimani received $30 million which was used to buy a tipper truck as well as to spearhead the construction of Hot Springs Clinic and the reconstruction of Mhakwe Clinic to the tune of $212 928.
The staff house at Saziya Clinic is now complete and the reconstruction work chewed up$232 000.
About $657 000 of devolution funds were used to buy furniture for 15 schools which has since been delivered to the respective institutions.
A total of $798 000 was used for Wengezi road resurfacing, while $650 000 was used for the construction of vending stalls at Chimanimani Vegetable Market.
The local authority also used about $600 000 to upgrade its ICT systems.
Mutare Rural District Council received $16,4 million which was used to buy a tipper truck, tractors, reconstruct Chigonda ($707 559), Mhangaurwe ($525 000), Mavhiza ($711 000) and Hamamaoko ($498 000) Primary Schools.
Some of the funds were used to repair the infrastructure at Mazonwe Secondary School to the tune of $411 000.
About $1,7million was used for the computerisation of the local authority’s operations, while $63 000 was used to rehabilitate Chishingwi Clinic.
A total of $2,4 million was used for road repairs in the district and repairs on plant equipment.
Rehabilitation of public toilets at Bezel Bridge chewed up $360 000, while the purchase of materials for the construction of Odzi Community Hall used about $2million.
Mutasa Rural District Council received $10,3 million which was used for various community projects, while Rusape Town Council received $10,1 million.
Nyanga Rural District Council received $10,2 million, while Chipinge Rural District Council got $14,8 million.
