Sharon Chikowore
KADOMA — More than 176 projects have been completed across Mashonaland West under the devolution and decentralisation programme, covering critical areas such as education, health, water, and road infrastructure.
Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Marian Chombo, said the projects were among the key achievements recorded during the province’s 2021–2025 Provincial Economic Development Plan.
Addressing a consultative workshop on the next five-year plan in Kadoma, Minister Chombo said the completed projects included educational facilities, clinics, piped water schemes, drilling rigs, and road equipment.
“Under the devolution and decentralisation programme, over 176 devolution projects were completed,” she said.
Chombo said local authorities also made progress in completing their masterplans and valuation rolls, which she described as important milestones in aligning urban development with emerging trends.
The minister said the achievements demonstrated that progress could be made when planning, resources, and implementation were brought together.
However, she said the new PEDP should learn from challenges experienced during the previous planning cycle, including delays in the disbursement of funds and weaknesses in monitoring and evaluation.
Minister Chombo said the new plan should ensure that development priorities at the provincial level are linked to the needs of districts, wards, and communities.
She said each district has different economic strengths, opportunities, and development challenges, and these differences should be reflected in the provincial plan.
“The priorities of Hurungwe District must be reflected in the plan. So must the priorities of Kariba, Makonde, Mhondoro-Ngezi, Sanyati, Zvimba, and Chegutu,” she said.
The minister said devolution should bring development planning closer to communities and allow citizens to participate in identifying priorities and shaping development interventions.
Minister Chombo also stressed the need for inclusive development, stating that no community should be left out of the planning process.
She said the PEDP 2026–2030 should ensure that development programmes respond to conditions and opportunities throughout the province.
