Story by Tichaona Kurewa
THE Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Local Government, Public Works and National Housing has commended progress in housing delivery and basic service provision in Lupane, while calling for increased funding to accelerate infrastructure development.
Led by its Chairperson, Honourable Dr Maxmore Njanji, the committee toured the Garikai/Hlalani Kuhle Housing Programme and other development projects in Lupane on Friday as part of Parliament’s constitutional oversight mandate to assess the implementation of Government programmes and monitor public expenditure.
Dr Njanji said the committee was impressed by the provision of essential services at the housing development.
“We have seen that there is provision of water, there is provision of sewer, all the minimum standards we are seeing here and witnessing. We just want to thank the Second Republic for availing such for our people in fulfilment of Vision 2030, so that there is no place left behind and no one is left behind,” he said.
He added that the projects are advancing the objectives of the National Development Strategy 2, Vision 2030 and the Human Settlements Policy by expanding access to serviced residential areas and regularising informal settlements.
The committee also urged the Lupane Local Board to pursue public-private partnerships to bridge funding gaps.
“We need to come up with recommendations, including public-private partnerships and ensuring funds are released on time so that service delivery is maximised and our people are happy,” Dr Njanji said.
Lupane Local Board Chairperson, Councillor Thandolwenkosi Nyoni, said upgrading the town’s sewer infrastructure remains a priority but requires significant investment.
“For a proper mechanised sewer, we need something around US$18.5 million. For a small town, it is difficult to secure a partner for that amount. We have since re-aligned our plans and, for starters, we are looking at sewer ponds because they are cheaper. The budget is around US$1 million,” she said.
Lupane, the provincial capital of Matabeleland North, was granted town status in 1999.
