Experts implore govt to expediate devolution
By Thandeka Matebesi
Experts in the field of development studies have called on the Government to expedite the devolution of powers.
Speaking at the Gender and Devolution Nexus Conference on Thursday in Bulawayo, Director at Development Governance Institute (DEGI), Dr Kudzai Chatiza who is a Development Planner said that there is need for an institution that is solely focused on devolution.
“We need an institution whose focus is solely the devolution of powers where even the Ministry of Local Governance can report to. We need a Commission or another platform that is more accessible to the public to make submissions on devolution related issues. The idea is to have a platform that is not one hundred percent controlled by the government”, said Chatiza.
Speaking at the same event, Dr Gorden Moyo who is the Director of Public Policy and Research Institute of Zimbabwe said there is need for the government to speed up the process of coming up with legislation that supports the devolution of powers.
“Devolution is the mainstay and linchpin of development, it is about the people at grassroot and local levels. It is now seven years without any properly constituted systems and structures that support devolution. There is no legal instrument to guide and direct the stated provisions on devolution in the constitution of Zimbabwe. However, seeing that there is a policy on devolution it might mean that the government is moving towards coming up with an Act”, said Moyo who was Minister of State Enterprises and Parastatals in the Government of National Unity.
Moyo added that there were quite a number of key areas that needed urgent attention with regards to devolution.
“There is need for development banks in each province that are noncommercial. The government must come up with a clear policy on this which is supported by an act of Parliament. The Ministry Finance and Economic Development should create and promote an environment which allows for the establishment of such banks that are meant to benefit locals through development”, said Moyo
