by Christopher Makaza

Cabinet yesterday revealed that ZW$2.932 billion had been disbursed for the implementation of Devolution in 2020 and that Provincial Ministers will be empowered to monitor how the funds will be utilised.

About ZW$703 million was allocated in 2019 towards Devolution.

Briefing the Cabinet yesterday, on how Devolution funds were disbursed and utilised by Local Authorities in 2019, Local Government and Public Works Minister, July Moyo said disbursements were made according to a laid down formula that takes into account the demographic infrastructure and poverty levels in the different areas.

The Minister highlighted that despite the late release of resources, several projects were progressing in various local authority jurisdictions.

"The projects are at various stages of completion in key areas such as education, health, roads rehabilitation, water and sanitation, and electricity,” he said.

The Minister highlighted that among key projects that were completed in the various provinces using Devolution funds were construction of eleven classroom blocks and two clinics as well as drilling of several boreholes in Masvingo province, purchasing of an ambulance by Rusape Town Council and refurbishment of several schools in Manicaland.

"Street lights were also installed at Hwedza Growth Point in Mashonaland East, construction of a farmers market in Kwekwe, as well as purchasing a refuse truck and equipment for the rehabilitation of Harare Water Production," he said.

Several other local authorities also used their funds to rehabilitate roads and dilapidated infrastructure like clinics and classroom blocks.