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Midlands Reporter
GOVERNMENT is prioritising the implementation of devolution as a strategy towards economic growth and to enhance effectiveness of local authorities, Midlands Provincial Affairs Minister Larry Mavima has said.

Minister Mavima said this during a recent meeting with provincial heads from various Government departments.

The meeting was held at Gweru City Council.

“Government has prioritised implementation of devolution of power and functions to provinces and lower echelons of the Government as a strategy to economic growth to enhance operational effectiveness of Government,” he said.

Minister Mavima said the water crisis in Gweru needed Government attention so that residents do not become victims of cholera.

He said the aim was for the team to fully participate to come up with solutions to the challenges faced.

Minister Mavima said he will visit all local authorities in the Midlands Province this year to offer technical support to local authorities.

“I will visit all local authorities and the visits will also serve to strengthen collaboration between local authorities and relevant line ministries in the implementation of development programmes,” he said.

“This is a very critical initiative for the purpose of enhancing provision of technical support to local authorities by relevant Government ministries and agencies.”

Minister Mavima said local authorities were expected to positively transform the quality of life for residents.

“Local authorities are not just a beneficiary of devolution, but are expected to carry heavier responsibilities and functions that are intended to positively transform the quality of life in keeping with the dictates of the country,” he said.

“Local authorities are now obliged to keep a clean environment as expected to promote national development.

“From the foregoing it is evident that there is an urgent need for all local authorities to be strengthened soon, to enable them to fully discharge their constitutional and statutory roles.

“With the coming in of devolution and Vision 2030 as pronounced by His Excellency, President Cde E.D. Mnangagwa, we are all now called upon to shift our focus from our traditional roles to that of promoting local economic development.”

Minister Mavima urged council to fully embrace the ease of doing business and join hands to promote investment, stimulate new business opportunities, generate jobs and create economic prosperity in the City of Gweru.