Online Reporter
Conrad Mupesa
Mashonaland West Bureau
Local councils in Mashonaland West are rallying behind President Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030, urging Treasury to expedite the disbursement of devolution funds so that they can continue with the infrastructure development needed for the attainment of an upper-middle-income economy.
At an interactive meeting with Mashonaland West Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Marian Chombo in Chinhoyi yesterday, town clerks and chief executive officers were concerned that delays in disbursement were hindering progress.
The Government, through the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion, gave priority last year to address food shortages caused by the El Niño-induced drought.
Most councils received about 10 percent of their initial devolution allocation wtih the rest held over, which they deemed inadequate, despite successfully improving infrastructure in their areas.
Sanyati Rural District Council’s chief executive officer, Mr Achim Shadaya, emphasised the importance of timely fund disbursement.
“We are allocated funds at the beginning of the year but disbursement is done a bit later. Our allocations are publicised, making it difficult for residents to understand that allocation and disbursement are two different stages.
“As we rally towards attaining Vision 2030, it is our humble plea, Honourable Minister, that you take this request higher to Parliament,” said Mr Shadaya.
The delays have also strained relationships between councils and ratepayers, who expect more from local authorities.
Zvimba RDC chief executive officer, Mr Enias Chidakwa, said: “Our budgets factor in devolution funds, which we hope, as we go into the second phase of the National Development Strategy, will see more being done.”
Karoi Town Council’s finance chairperson, Councillor Muzondiwa Sawanje, said the slow disbursement of funds was also affecting the Minister of State’s office, which oversees devolution projects.
Minister Chombo acknowledged the delays, but insisted that councils should find solutions to their financial challenges.
“While you wait for the devolution funds from the Government, you should also explore ways to raise funds for development.”
Minister Chombo recognised the widespread issues regarding devolution funds disbursement across all 92 councils and noted that the President was aware of them.
She spoke about a booklet launched by President Mnangagwa and suggested amending legislation to allow unused funds to roll over into the next year.
She praised the Mhondoro-Ngezi RDC for implementing income-generating projects, such as gold milling, which had facilitated development despite funding delays.
This council is one of the few that have maintained timely salary payments to its workers.
Provincial Secretary Mr Josphat Jaji urged local authorities to enhance their efforts to ensure the success of the province in achieving national development strategies.
ZANU PF Mashonaland West provincial chairman, Cde Mary Mliswa-Chikoka, also attended the meeting.
