Story by Mercy Bofu-Matinha
THE Government’s devolution programme is accelerating transformation in rural communities, with increased investment in infrastructure and service delivery delivering tangible results at grassroots level.
In Chivi District, the commissioning of critical equipment by the local authority has marked a significant milestone in improving public service delivery and strengthening development capacity.
The equipment, acquired by the Chivi Rural District Council, includes road construction machinery, a fire tender, service vehicles, 32 motorbikes for ward monitors and 40 motorbikes for councillors.
Chief Executive Officer, Mr Tariro Matavire, said the investment will enhance infrastructure maintenance and accessibility.
“We want to thank the government for the devolution programme, which has enabled us as a local authority to acquire road equipment and a fire tender. These are very critical in ensuring we maintain a good road network in Chivi, hence enabling access to services and improved business for communities. Again, today we saw the commissioning of service vehicles purchased through our internal funds, motorbikes for our councillors and motorcycles for our ward monitors,” he said.
Local leaders say the development will improve mobility and strengthen community engagement.
“The development we are witnessing today will ensure transformation in our communities. Now our councillors will be mobile to monitor development in all our wards at the same time being able to engage with community members towards community development,” Councillor Munashe Pwanyai said.
Residents also acknowledged the broader impact of devolution-funded projects.
“Through devolution, we have seen a lot of changes in our communities through the establishment of Village Business Units, clinics, schools and bridges, and today this development will see an improved road network,” Mr Christopher Muzvidziwa said.
Speaking after commissioning the equipment, Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Honourable Daniel Garwe reaffirmed Government’s commitment to capacitating local authorities.
“President Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa came up with the devolution programme with the goal of ensuring no one and no place is left behind in terms of development. What we are witnessing today is the result of that policy. We will continue ensuring our local authorities deliver as expected by the people, and the capacitation of councillors is to make sure they spearhead development in their areas,” he said.
Masvingo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Ezra Chadzamira said the newly commissioned assets are expected to significantly boost service delivery.
“We expect the utilisation of the commissioned assets to significantly strengthen and improve service delivery across Chivi District. The tipper trucks should greatly improve service delivery through road construction, waste management, and general public works, enabling the council to respond more efficiently to infrastructure needs. The backhoe loader should enhance earth-moving capacity of the Local Authority,” he said.
Chivi Central legislator, Honourable Xavier Maoneke said the developments signal progress towards urbanisation.
“The developments we are witnessing here in Chivi show that we are in the right direction towards our goal of seeing Chivi attain town status,” he said.
Beyond equipment acquisition, the local authority has leveraged devolution funds to construct clinics and classroom blocks, establish village business units, drill boreholes and upgrade the district’s road network.
