Devolution allocations increased
THE Government has increased funds to be channelled to provinces and local authorities under the inter-governmental fiscal transfer by more than 126 percent in a move aimed at adding impetus to the nation’s devolution agenda.
In a circular to local authorities, dated 24 September 2019, acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing, Colonel (Rtd) Joseph Mhakayakora revealed that the fund had since been increased from $310 million to $703 million.
Government allocated the funds to be shared among the 10 provinces based on a number of factors such as poverty levels in all rural districts, quality of infrastructure and the size of the population. Most provinces have started using the funds for construction of schools, clinics and roads, among other projects aimed at facilitating development.
“The 2019 mid-year budget review and supplementary budget proclaimed by Treasury saw an upward review in the revenue projections to year end. The original allocation for inter-governmental fiscal transfers is being reviewed upwards from $310 million to $703 million. The MHONDORO-NGEZI Ward 7 and 8, like many other rural communities in Zimbabwe, have been plagued by multiple social challenges that include lack of decent sanitation, food insecurity and poor public health for several years.
Without proper public service infrastructure like clinics, water treatment plants and roads, the community has battled diseases and poverty. Sadly, it is often vulnerable groups like orphans, the aged, the disabled and the less privileged who suffer the most.
However, with community-based initiatives such as Yemurayi, the community has started to hope again.
Led by Gogo Mushava, wife to Chief Mushava, who presides over MhondoroNgezi District Ward 7 and parts of Ward increased funding should provide impetus to our devolution agenda as well as facilitate implementation of priority and impactful projects at the local level,” reads part of the circular.
The increase of the fund could go a long way in implementing a number of key projects in Bulawayo. Bulawayo councillors belonging to the opposition, MDCAlliance recently raised a red flag regarding the disbursement of the fund in the city, where they questioned why a huge chunk 8, Yemurayi has taken the initiative to care for the vulnerable and improve livelihoods.
As a way of recognising Yemurayi’s work, First Lady Auxillia Mnagagwa yesterday toured the groups’ projects and awarded some of the best-performing members in cleanliness.
“Members of Yemurayi Projects sometimes walk for distances to wash clothes for the sick and the elderly, including fetching water for them. We all know that since time immemorial, aunts and grandmothers did the important job of building marriages. Today, I am happy that Yemurayi members are also doing the same job. All these projects under the jurisdiction of Chief Mushava clearly indicate the invaluable role played by chiefs’ wives in the welfare of their subjects.”
First-prize winners in cleanliness in the old age, middle age and young age categories were Margret Sayine, Maria Kwirirai and Margaret Sengeya, respectively.
They each walked away with a bicycle and was being channelled towards projects in Cowdray Park.
Minister of State for Bulawayo Metropolitan Provincial Affairs Cde Judith Ncube commended the move noting that the funds would go a long way in developing a number of projects.
“It is certainly good news for us as a province, it is now up to us to utilise these funds in pushing developmental projects,” said Minister Ncube.
According to the latest council report, a food hamper comprising cooking oil, rice, washing powder and pasta. Gogo Mushava said she was inspired to start cleanliness projects by Amai Mnangagwa’s work as the patron and founder of Angel of Hope Foundation.
“All I needed was just one meeting with her as wives of chiefs to realise the amount of work we have in our communities. I was aware of the projects she was doing across the country and I also wanted to do the same here.
“In our community, we take care of the vulnerable by washing, cooking and feeding them.”
Yemurayi is, however, saddled by lack of resources, and the First Lady gave a helping hand by donating food stuffs, detergents and money to help the project in its operations. The First Lady advised members of the community to keep their houses clean. She also encouraged women in the community to start projects in order to raise income.
“The splendid job being done by women, which I have also witnessed, makes me, as a mother, encourage you to keep your households clean. And this includes sweeping, adorning the walls the Director of Housing and Community Services, Mr Dictor Khumalo reported that the department was seeking to use devolution funds for Cowdray Park projects. The funds were requested to buy materials for Vulindlela Primary and Sizalendaba Secondary Schools in Cowdray Park after budgeted funds were exhausted due to inflation.
Councillors had said the development was a political statement to make it seem as if they were doing nothing in their wards while Ward 28 councillor, Kidwell Mujuru, who is the only Zanu-PF councillor was working.
The local authority’s Director of Engineering Services, Engineer Simela Dube, later defended the move arguing that Ward 28 which has the Hlalani Kuhle settlement deserves to be prioritised whenever council gets funding.
“I’ve always said the Hlalani Kuhle project when I compare it to Gwanda, it’s three times the size of Gwanda. Our Hlalani Kuhle project has 15 000 housing properties that have no sewer, no water and no access to roads. Whenever the city gets funding, that area is being given priority. And our progress on that should be at 54 percent but is currently at 46 percent mainly because we encountered some rocks in the area,” Eng Dube said.
Mhondoro women in life-changing projects
using the traditional method of dung, if cement is not readily available, as well as cleaning the dishes,” she said.
Yemurayi is now working to register its work as a community-based project.
“I have been told that this project wants to formally register in order to make it known across the country.
“Yemurayi intends to spread its wings as other community-based organisations. As an initiative made up of bold women, the organisation also promised me that it will try by also means to grow to other areas.”
The community, the First Lady said, was lucky to have hardworking women.
“As Chief Mushava’s subjects, I can tell you that you are blessed to have an initiative by women to assist the community. This is rare in some areas, so I implore men to assist your partners. If you support them, they will certainly fulfil their objectives.”
Community member Ms Sarudzai Mawere said the First Lady’s work is changing lives for the better.
“To us as a community, it is a good thing to be recognised by the First Lady. It shows us that we are doing things right. Through her work, she has transformed lives in this community and the poor are being assisted.”