By Margaret Kamba
Midlands Province Minister of Provincial Affairs and Devolution Cde Owen Ncube says he will play an oversight role in ensuring service provision.
Speaking during the Commissioning of equipment for the Redcliff Municipality today, Cde Ncube said the Second Republic continues to achieve milestones in pursuit of its vision of uplifting the lives of the people of Zimbabwe.
"It is indeed my privilege and singular honour to be accorded the opportunity to be the Guest of Honour as we gather here to commission yet another milestone achievement by the Second Republic in our pursuit of a prosperous and empowered upper middle-income society by 2030. Today we commission the Redcliff Municipality road equipment, refuse trucks and service vehicles, confirming the tangible results of the Second Republic's commitment to improve service delivery by Local Authorities," Cde Ncube said.
"The Second Republic under the visionary leadership of His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe Cde Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa has placed great emphasis on the decentralization and devolution of power recognizing the need to empower local authorities in order to foster development at the grassroots level.
"It is with this understanding that the government has directed resources through devolution funds allowing local authorities to take charge of their own development agenda.
"Furthermore, Local Authorities are by law allowed to mobilize resources from residents and own investments. These resources should improve the quality of life for residents through quality service delivery covering Health and Wellbeing, Housing, roads ,Water and Sanitation as well as Public Safety and Security.
"Since the coming in of the Second Republic, I am told that Redcliff Municipality has managed to complete a total of 20 projects using devolution funds. Redcliff received devolution funds amounting to USD 650 000 from the Government of Zimbabwe and managed to support the acquisition of the Bell Medical Centre and Torwood Hospital. This kind of support by the Central Government is a testimony of the Second Republic's commitment to ensuring accessible and quality healthcare that leaves no one and no place behind. These facilities will serve as vital resources in providing much needed medical services to the communities of Redcliff and its surrounding areas."
He added that Government has prioritised the modernization of the health delivery system.
"Modernization of health delivery is top Government priority.The Private Sector is encouraged to partner and assist communities and local authorities to improve on accessible and affordable public health care system. Redcliff Municipality has also made commendable achievements by successfully completing sewer reticulation, water supply improvements, Redcliff Clinic Rehabilitation and renovations to the S Block flats which have transformed the living conditions and infrastructure in the area. We can now look forward to better maintained roads, effective waste management, and improved service delivery."
Minister Ncube reiterated President Mnangagwa's commitment to good service delivery.
"I am also alive to the water issues that communities in Redcliff have been experiencing and efforts being made by the Municipality to address the challenges. The Government of Zimbabwe will continue to work hard in glove with the urban local authorities until lasting solutions have been found. As we celebrate these successes today, let us not forget that this is our journey towards achieving Vision 2030 ,of an upper middle income society by 2030. My office will continue to exercise its monitoring and oversight role to ensure resources are allocated fairly, equitably and efficiently and allow communities to determine and drive their own development agenda. I would like to express my gratitude to His Excellency, President Of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Cde Dr.Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa for his unwavering support and commitment to Devolution and Decentralization as he has increased allocations under the program to all Local Authorities in the 2023 budget."