Nkayi protests late disbursement of devolution funds

Local
Mpofu told Southern Eye that the funds were supposed to be released at the beginning of the year so that council could undertake a number of projects.

NKAYI Rural District Council chief executive officer Silibele Mpofu has lamented the delay in the release of devolution funds saying it frustrated development.

Mpofu told Southern Eye that the funds were supposed to be released at the beginning of the year so that council could undertake a number of projects.

“We are waiting for the funds to finish clinics, schools and payment for our master plan for the evaluation exercise, which will see the growth of the district,” he said.

“We are now in the third quarter. We have engaged the Ministry of Finance through our parent ministry, the Ministry of Local Government, but nothing has come forth.”

Mpofu said plans to complete three clinics and renovate several schools had been put on hold as a result.

“We are appealing to the communities and those in the diaspora to come and assist in the development of the district by mobilising resources,” he said.

Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs and Devolution minister Richard Moyo said he was in a meeting when contacted for comment.

Nkayi lags in development and poor roads make accessing the district difficult.

Critics say Nkayi is marginalised by central government.

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