Devolution funds bridge development gap
Hwange Local Board (HLB) has said that devolution funds have played a great role in ensuring that there is development in various areas around the town.
TOWN secretary Pastor Ndumiso Mdlalose says the devolution funding has played a significant role in ensuring Hwange Local Board (HLB) to embark on its various developmental projects.
The local authority received about $3 million last year under the Devolution Fund. This year it was allocated $3.2 million but has since taken delivery of $1.1 million.
“The Devolution Fund has gone a long way in assisting us to deliver critical services to residents,” said Pastor Mdlalose.
Parliament has an oversight role to play in ensuring that the funds are used for their intended purpose. This year, Government has set aside $2.9 billion for local authorities, although disbursements have been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. So far treasury has released approximately $290 million to local authorities.
HLB has utilised its devolution funds towards construction of an Early Childhood Development (ECD) classrooms block at Nechibondo Primary School. It also installed a standby water supply facility, constructed an incinerator as well as enacted a fence at its Empumalanga clinic.
He said construction of the ECD block would go a long way in averting hot seating at the school.
“Construction of the ECD block will go a long way in ensuring that children are not subjected to hot seating as has been the case due to shortage of classrooms. The infrastructure is tailor made for the young leaners including the ablution facilities. In actual fact it’s a modern learning facility,” said Pastor Mdlalose.
He however, said there was still a need to install an air-conditioner at the clinic’s drug storeroom as well as other ancillary equipment.
Pastor Mdlalose said more funding was needed for the upgrading of Empumalanga sewer plant. The plant has been non-functioning for over a decade.
“We also need funding for another bigger project-the sewer infrastructure upgrading. We might need about $10 million. A growing town requires more efficient water and sewer reticulation. So, the sewer upgrading will go a long way in addressing that…,” he said.
