Matebeleland Pulse Reporter
HWANGE– Concerns over devolution funding for Hwange have resurfaced after claims were made during a National Assembly debate that Hwange Local Board and Hwange Rural District Council last received devolution funds in 2023.
The issue was raised during debate on a report by the Portfolio Committee on Local Government, Public Works and National Housing examining governance challenges in the Hwange Concession Area.
Contributing to the debate, Hon. Makumire said concerns over devolution funding had emerged during the committee’s inquiry.
“It was also raised that the Hwange Local Board and the Hwange RDC have last received their devolution funds in 2023. This is not particular to the two local authorities; it is an issue that is prevailing across all the local authorities.”
He argued that the Constitution sets out how devolution funds should be disbursed and alleged that those provisions were not being followed.
“Our Constitution is very clear on the disbursement of Devolution Funds. Surprisingly, we have seen that the Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion is continuously violating the Constitution, ignoring the provisions of Section 301 (3) and (4).”
Makumire called for further accountability over the issue.
“This House must summon the Minister of Finance on issues to do with the disbursement of Devolution Funds.”
The debate formed part of deliberations on governance challenges in the Hwange Concession Area. The committee recommended that the incorporation of the concession area into the Hwange Local Board be fast-tracked, arguing that the current dual administration has affected service delivery, planning and access to development programmes.
Makumire also supported those recommendations, saying the incorporation process should be expedited to ease the financial burden currently borne by the Hwange Local Board.
Debate on the committee’s report was adjourned and is expected to continue at a later sitting. No response to Makumire’s claims on devolution funding was recorded during the proceedings contained in the Hansard.
