Devolution Fund projects uplift people’s lives in Mberengwa East
they are exploiting our natural resources,” said Mr Maeresera.
Council chairperson Councillor Nyembesi Shumba said her council was working well with RDC management so that the villagers realize tangible results from the devolution funds. She said her council was grateful to President Mnangagwa’s Government which availed the devolution funds so that they are able to improve their livelihoods.
“Through the devolution funds, we managed to rehabilitate schools that were affected by a storm last year. Pupils sitting for examinations now have roof over their heads and decent classes which should be commended. The schools are Makwava (Ward 27), Danamombe (Ward 31), Masora (Ward 32), Ivhukuvanhu (Ward 2), Muponga primary schools (Ward 5), Zvamagwiro secondary school (Ward 11) and Muketi Clinic (Ward 25),” she said.
She said after the construction of the two clinics, plans were underway to construct houses for nurses and avail running water. Clr Shumba said Mataga Growth Point had over 5000 residents in need of water and therefore the reason why they used the devolution funds to drill a borehole at the growth point.
“We are facing acute water challenges at the growth point. So, we have drilled the borehole and we are left with casting. We have been engaging Zinwa so that they complete the water pump station so that we enjoy water from Mundi- Mataga dam which is just about 9km away. We are crying for water when we have a 39 000ml dam a stone throw away,” she said.
Chief Ngungumbane said he was glad that the Government’s devolution agenda has taken off in earnest in his area as evidenced by the construction of the clinic among other programmes.
“As a community we applaud the Government for fulfilling its cons t i tut i ona l mandate of devolving services to the people. It’s a positive development as service delivery is now at the door step of citizens.
“People now realise that devolution is a reality and not a dream as they can see, feel, smell and touch devolution. People no longer travel long distances to access healthcare services which is a basic human right. It allows locals to participate in the devolution mantra as they are involved in the construction of the clinic and all developmental projects in rural areas and beyond,” he said.
T h e G o v e r nme n t set aside $2,93 billion in the 2020 National Budget for devolution projects to be carried out countrywide. The money is shared among the 10 provinces based on a number of factors such as poverty levels in all districts, quality of infrastructure and size of p opu l a t i on . - - Advertorial.