Story by Gay Matambo
THE devolution programme is enhancing the quality of life for rural communities in Zaka District after the commissioning of capital equipment purchased using devolution funds by the local authority.
A motorised grader, tipper truck, backhoe loader and a refuse truck are among the capital equipment purchased by the Zaka Rural District Council (RDC) using the 2023 devolution funds.
The equipment will ensure that Zaka RDC provides quality service delivery to communities, particularly in road construction and waste management.
“We are happy with such devolution projects as they play a big part in developing our area,” said a Zaka community member.
Another said, “We were struggling with waste management issues but now that we have a refuse truck then that challenge is over.”
“Our roads are going to be rehabilitated and we will not worry about waste management. We are happy,” added a community member.
Under the devolution programme, Zaka RDC has implemented several developmental projects including the construction of clinics, the rehabilitation of roads which include the Veza-Harava Road and the sinking of boreholes at Charuka Clinic and Jerera Primary School.
“Through the devolution programme, we have been able to implement developmental projects in the district. We are grateful for the funds,” said Zaka RDC’s chairperson, Ms Fungai Maregedze.
Zaka RDC’s chief executive officer Mr Batsirai Majaura said, “Using the capital equipment we have just purchased, we are going to grade roads and gravel them. We are also going to be sinking boreholes since Zaka District is a dry area. The capital equipment will go a long way in ensuring that as a local authority, we don’t compromise on service delivery.”
The devolution programme is part of the government’s drive to ensure service delivery reaches the grassroots level.
Masvingo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Honourable Ezra Chadzamira said, “Masvingo Province has so far commissioned 14 projects to date in sectors of WASH, energy, agriculture, tourism, culture and infrastructure development through devolution funds which is an important milestone.”
The devolution concept has been earmarked to transform rural communities as the government responds to funding gaps faced by local authorities.
