Gokwe South RDC commissions $19,6m devolution equipment
GOKWE South Rural District Council on Friday commissioned equipment worth $19,6 million purchased using devolution funds.
The rural authority purchased two tipper trucks, a backhoe loader and a motorised grader, which is expected to transform service delivery.
Commissioning the equipment, State Security Minister, Owen Ncube, said the Government was committed to empowering local communities through devolution projects.
“The equipment I am commissioning today, was bought using devolution finds, which were availed by the Government to empower our local communities. This is indeed a sign that Government is pulling out all the stops in empowering its people,” said the minister.
He said the equipment was procured shortly after President Mnangagwa declared roads as a state of disaster, emphasising the need for speedy rehabilitation.
“The commissioning of the equipment is coming in the backdrop of declaration of roads as a state of disaster. Government did so in order to facilitate the release of funds for road maintenance and repair works and made this decision fully aware that most roads were extensively damaged by rains,” said Minister Ncube.
“I am happy, therefore, that efforts by this council will directly complement Government’s thrust towards sprucing up of the nation’s road network.”
He commended the rural authority for utilising the devolution funds wisely adding that some local authorities were abusing the funds.
“Roads are the heart-beat and anchor of any development activity you may think of. I understand that through devolution Gokwe South RDC is undertaking quite a number of projects in line with President Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030,” said the minister.
Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister, Senator Larry Mavima, thanked the Government for supporting the province with devolution funds.
“As a province we have witnessed drilling of boreholes, building of schools, clinics, bridges, construction and rehabilitation of roads by local authorities through the use of devolution funds. This will take us closer to reaching our Vision 2030,” said Minister Mavima.
“This is indeed a sign of good corporate governance where we are seeing devolution funds released by Central Government being used in a correct manner.”
Gokwe South council chairperson, Clr Masara Masevedzanwa, also said the devolution concept was impacting positively on development.
“This has transformed our communities and we are so grateful. We as council promise to fully utilise the equipment and ensure it does the job it is supposed to be doing,” he said.
“This is not money that we can use to pay our workers, rather we will use the equipment as expected by Government. Our roads were in a bad state but we are now working on them.”-chronicle.cl.zw
