By Rex Mphisa
THE Government has allocated ZiG51815400 devolution funds to seven (7) out of ten (10) local authorities in with Mangwe benefitting the most.
While the other six have already got hold of their funds Mangwe has not yet got its ZiG18,818,400.
Beitbridge Rural District Council and Plumtree Town Council are also yet to be allocated funds.
Matobo which this year hosts the country’s Uhuru celebrations also got a huge chunk most likely because of preparations ongoing for the Independence Day.
In a letter to all Chief Executive Officers, Town Clerks and Town Secretary copied to all District Development Coordinators in Matabeleland South Province the assistant director of local government at Gwanda Z Jusa said te release had been facilitated because the province was host to this year’s independence.
“The release of devolution funds has been facilitated in view of Matabeleland South Province hosting the 46th National Independence Celebrations,” said Jusa.
“It is against this background that all local authorities are encouraged to commence utilising the devolution funds without delay,” he said.
Jusa said priority should be given to projects that are at an advanced stage of completion (75%+).
“These projects should be completed before the 18th of April 2026,” he said.
He said all District Development Coordinators (DDCs) are expected to closely monitor the implementation of projects prioritised by councils.
“DDCs are also required to submit fortnightly progress reports detailing the status of projects’ implementation and utilisation of the devolution funds,” he said.
Jusa said the completion of these projects will serve as evidence of the progress being realised under the devolution agenda, which is synonymous with the Province’s hosting of the 46th National Independence Celebrations.
He said his Ministry of Local Government and Public Works is engaging the Treasury to ensure the disbursement of devolution funds to the remaining (3) three councils while acceleration in the completion of devolution projects would be appreciated.