‘Corruption derailing devolution’
PROPER planning and project management techniques will see devolution in Zimbabwe having a demonstrable positive impact on real estate in Zimbabwe, a real estate expert has said.
Government has been implementing the devolution programme which has become one of the anchors of development because it is concerned with the uplifting of grassroots.
It is also part of the many ideas being implemented by the government to promote good governance through transparency and accountability for resources.
The development concept encourages citizens to participate in the advancement of good governance as it provides an opportunity for them to take part in development at their local levels.
However, speaking at the ongoing Zimbabwe Smart Cities and Devolution Masterclass organised by Global Renaissance Investments in Nyanga, Real Estate Institute of Zimbabwe past president Alexander Million said all stakeholders must be involved in the devolution process to fully embrace this progressive development policy.
“Over the past four decades, investing in real estate has become easier and investors have many investment options to consider and implement. With planning
and project management techniques we will see devolution in Zimbabwe having a demonstrable positive impact on real estate in Zimbabwe,” Million said, pointing out that there was a need to ensure all the prerequisite enabling works are implemented in advance of the real estate being developed.
“The development can be implemented nationwide. If managed well, the roll out of real estate projects would be implemented effortlessly throughout the country. Accountability, answerability and responsibility are key factors to consider in all real estate development funded through devolution,” he said.
Lack of accountability and corruption are derailing devolution, he noted, emphasising the need to establish committees that oversee the implementation of devolution projects.
“If something goes wrong, you will be accountable. And you are responsible of ensuring the projects are done. It’s very important. Remember, devolution money cannot be used for recurrent expenditure,” he added.