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Victor Maphosa Mashonaland East Bureau

The devolution agenda continues to gather momentum and transform communities, with Uzumba-Maramba-Pfungwe Rural District Council constructing three science laboratories at three secondary schools using devolution funds.

A science laboratory block at Chitimbe High School in Uzumba is almost 75 percent complete, while labs at Maramba Secondary and Chitsungo Secondary schools in Pfungwe, were also nearing completion.

At the moment, no secondary school in Maramba Pfungwe has a science laboratory to offer practicals for learners doing science subjects.

Mashonaland East Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Cde Aplonia Munzverengwi, this week toured Maramba, Chitsungo and Chitimbe Secondary schools to have an appreciation of the progress in the construction of the three science blocks.

Minister Munzverengwi expressed satisfaction over the works done so far.

She said the Second Republic led by President Mnangagwa was determined to fulfil all its election promises to ensure the attainment of an upper middle income society by 2030.

Maramba-Pfungwe legislator, Cde Tichawona Karumazondo, who was part of the tour, said he was happy with how the devolution funds were being used.

He commended the local authority for channelling funds towards improving the quality of education for learners in the rural areas.

“I want to thank Government for availing these funds to local authorities,” he said. “I represent Maramba-Pfungwe Constituency and all secondary schools there have no science laboratories.

“But because of these devolution funds, two blocks are already under construction and nearing completion. This will help learners in my constituency to benefit through quality education regardless of being in rural areas.

“My wish is for these projects to be completed as soon as possible so that our learners can benefit. Overall, I am thankful to the Government for releasing funds for developmental projects.”

Uzumba legislator, Cde Simbaneuta Mudarikwa, commended the Second Republic for availing devolution funds to councils and thanked the Uzumba-Maramba-Pfungwe Rural District Council for channelling the funds towards construction of a science block at Chitimbe High School, which falls under his constituency.

Cde Mudarikwa said such developments improved the quality of education and will contribute to the attainment of Vision 2030.

President Mnangagwa’s administration has identified devolution as a key pillar to achieving an empowered upper middle income economy status by 2030.

Through devolution, citizens are involved in setting the development agenda in their communities, determining the areas that they want to be attended, be they roads, clinics, schools or any others developmental projects.

The framework for devolution is enshrined in the Constitution and other subsidiary legislation such the Urban Councils Act, and the Rural District Councils Act.