Bulawayo, (New Ziana) – Local authorities in both rural and urban areas should always consult communities and traditional leaders before implementing development projects funded by devolution funds in order to foster a sense of ownership among locals, a senior official said.

Minister of Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Matabeleland North Richard Moyo said this on Wednesday during an all-stakeholder engagement meeting held in the country’s second largest city.

The government introduced devolution funds to assist local authorities in fulfilling their obligations across the country by developing key infrastructure such as clinics, classroom blocks, roads, and bridges, among other facilities. In addition to facilitating the completion of critical infrastructure projects, the funds have also alleviated the financial burden on ratepayers.

By addressing gaps in essential services like road construction, sanitation and machinery procurement, the program ensures stable rates and improved living standards. “The province has a number of priorities. We have projects currently running that are funded by the devolution funds, which the Second Republic has been investing through our local authorities since 2019. National and district-initiated projects in our areas must be of our concern as far as their progress is concerned.

“When coming up with projects and programs, I continue to encourage all of you to watch and effectively consult your communities and our traditional leaders,” Moyo said.

He highlighted that traditional leaders have played and will continue to play a crucial role in the development of the province and the country at large. Moyo implored community leaders to shun corruption and lead by example in their daily conduct.

“Your conduct must be beyond reproach, and your offices must have an open-door policy to enable engagement with the public. Our communities must feel the presence of government at each and every level,” Moyo said.

The devolution initiative aligns with the vision of the country to become an upper middle income economy by 203 and attainment the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to public health, education, and water.

New Ziana