The Minister of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing, Honourable July Moyo pledged to alleviate water challenges in the Matabeleland South Province through ceding water administration to the local authorities, a move channeled towards the full implementation of the devolution exercise.
This was highlighted during one of the country-wide series of the Devolution Conferences that was conducted at the Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Polytechnic in Gwanda town, this morning.
Today’s Devolution Conference encompassed important district representatives from Matabeleland South Province with the aim of facilitating engagement with various stakeholders on issues of service delivery.
Municipalities that are set to benefit from gaining authority on water administration include: Beitbridge, Plumtree and Gwanda Town.
He further highlighted that devolution was supposed to be undertaken not only at a political level but has to address the financial aspect.
“We have three urban centers in Matabeleland South Province and they have one thing in common which is poor water and it will be a prerequisite to uplift the state of water,” said Honourable July Moyo.
He reiterated how he would work with the Minister of Lands Agriculture and Rural Resettlement, Honourable Perence Shiri to see to it that the provision of water is improved within the Province.
“Beitbridge and Gwanda are yet to receive a sum of $4 million that should be key in assisting to alleviate the current problematic water challenge,” said Honourable Moyo.
The Minister stressed that achieving devolution is fundamental as it can champion an increase in Matabeleland Province’s Gross Domestic Product into the best the country has ever recorded.
Source: Women’s Institute for Leadership Development
