Devolution: Potential benefits for Zimbabwe

DEVOLUTION has, for long, topped Zimbabwe's structural reforms agenda, among other issues.

It may be recalled that for long, central government has been overseeing the implementation of all developmental projects across the country.

However, some provinces and districts alleged central government was at times marginalising and sidelining them in the implementation of national developmental programmes.

On the other hand, complaints have also been raised that resourcerich areas have failed to benefit from the wealth bestowed upon their environment and at times economic activities conducted in these areas.

Eventually, the issue of devolution was captured in the Constitution, but since 2013, little has been done to realign the relevant statutes.

However, in May, Cabinet approved the principles of Provincial Councils and Administration (Amendment) Bill as President Emmerson Mnangagwa's administration moves to devolve power to provincial councils in line with the Constitution.

This implies that, local development priorities would be defined by provincial and metropolitan councils, which normally are composed of councillors, mayors and chairpersons of rural district councils.

Essentially, implementation of devolution requires central government to avail funding for provincial budgets to ensure that areas lagging behind in terms of development are prioritised.

Going forward, it is crucial for authorities to define and educate the citizenry on devolution so that there is a shared and common understanding of the vision and purpose of the concept.

Civic education, through awareness campaigns, could assist citizens to participate and render meaningful contribution to the development and growth of their areas and subsequently that of Zimbabwe as a whole.

Additionally, this would also foster social and economic cohesion as well as the much-needed unity of purpose that would enable various stakeholders to come together, and spell out development priorities relative to the different sectors of the economy.

Traditional leaders, the church, business, politicians and the academia should take a leading role in this process for the successful implementation of this concept

For instance, players in agriculture, mining, tourism, education and health, in a particular province, may come up with a proposed development agenda or plan, which they may use to lobby authorities.

Traditional leaders may lead communities to identify their needs in preparation for the development of provincial masterplans.

In other African countries such as Kenya and South Africa, where devolution of power has been practised, benefits that were realised include better service delivery, reduced regional inequalities, stability and poverty alleviation, enhanced citizen participation and greater responsiveness to local needs.

There has been a lot of development at grassroot level as communities are given the opportunity to take part in activities which benefit them.

One feels obligated to take part in developmental projects spearheaded locally by individuals whom they know personally than those which come as instructions from the top leadership, some of whom they would never have met.