By Vumani Mthiyane
Gwanda district is set to receive ZWL$43 million in devolution funds for the first quarter of 2020, CITE has established.
In 2019 the district received a total of $1.2 million.
According to the District Development Coordinator, Keliboni Ndou this development will go a long way in improving poverty levels across the district and improve the quality of infrastructure.
“The rolling out of the devolution programme here in Gwanda will improve our economy, infrastructure development and social service delivery,” he said.
The district has prioritised water provision and infrastructure development.
“As a cattle ranching district, we will be focusing on livestock and mining development. This will go a long way in improving the economic situation and contribute towards the country’s Gross Domestic Product,” said Ndou.
She added that such projects will, in turn, create employment for the youths who are currently migrating to South Africa and Botswana in search of greener pastures.
Contacted for comment, Gwanda Rural District Council Chief Executive Officer, Ronnie Sibanda said they were yet to finalise on the projects to undertake.
Ward 17 Councillor, Ephraim Nyathi said his ward will prioritise the construction of clinics and schools.
“As a ward Councillor I will prioritise schools, clinics and water provision. Schools have no furniture and some are too small such that they can no longer accommodate all the pupils. Fumugwe primary school has surpassed its carrying capacity. So devolution funds will be used to construct more classroom blocks and teacher cottages. Bengo secondary is equally affected,” said Cllr Nyathi.
