Govt allocates millions for Midlands devolution

among others.

“The major interventions revolve around disbursement of devolution funds. So far we have received roughly $23 million which was disbursed through both urban and local authorities. The province was allocated a total of $41, 6 million. To date, a lot of work has been done in terms of implementing identified projects. I should say we are impressed with most of the proposed projects that councils are working on as they are fulfilling the desires of the Government,” Mr Maronge said.

He said most local and rural authorities have been using devolution funds to address people’s challenges.

“If you go to Gweru, Zvishavane, Shurugwi and Redcliff, they have identified water related projects as they have been facing problems in that area. We are happy with the results so far. This is exactly what government had in mind when they came up with the devolution idea,” Mr Maronge said.

He said some councils purchased road making equipment using the funds.

“Mberengwa and Gokwe town council purchased road making equipment that will see the roads being rehabilitated. They also discovered that this was their area of concern,” Mr Maronge said.

Kwekwe and Zibagwe RDC have focused on infrastructure development: clinics, classroom blocks and staff cottages were constructed.

“As for other local authorities, they also focused on infrastructure development like clinics, borehole drilling, classroom blocks construction and building of staff cottages at clinics and schools. This also means that there is proper accommodation and infrastructure across the province,” he said.

“So you find that across the province, we have recorded significant progress and this is exactly