The Sunday Mail
Wallace Ruzvidzo
Sunday Mail Correspondent
SILOBELA, a constituency in Kwekwe District (Midlands Province) has begun experiencing the positive effects of devolution following the implementation of life-changing projects under the programme.
The constituency, found in a relatively dry area, has benefited from boreholes which have been drilled using funds allotted from the Devolution kitty.
Silobela Member of Parliament Cde Mthokozisi Manoki-Mpofu, said to date, at least four boreholes have been refurbished in each of the 15 wards in the Constituency.
“Through funds allocated under Devolution we have managed to make a lot of progress in improving the availability of water in the area. Our council has been able to use some of the devolution funds to purchase borehole spares and accessories such as valves, cylinders, pipes, rods and pump spares.
“This was distributed to all 15 wards in the constituency.”
Cde Manoki-Mpofu said they could have achieved more if the funds had been disbursed timeously.
The Silobela MP expressed gratitude to President Mnangagwa for spurring the Devolution agenda saying it would go a long way in the attainment of Vision 2030.
Mining
He said plans are taking shape for the construction of a Vocational Training Centre to train women and youths in the area to venture into standardised artisanal mining.
“Our vision is that women, youths, war veterans or other groups can form groups of 30 or more to identify unutilised mining claims, which they can get access to after training,” said Cde Manoki-Mpofu.
“It is not a secret that this area is rich in gold. We believe that under the Devolution programme, locals should also benefit from this resource.
“I have been advocating for women and youths to properly register for these mining claims so that they can be empowered. We have experienced some challenges because some of the claims belong to some companies that still want to hold on to them for speculative purposes.
“However, we are working with the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development who have assured us that they will implement the use it or lose it policy.”
