Parly to get tough on land barons Cde Gezi

Manicaland Bureau
Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Cde Tsitsi Gezi has challenged the Parliamentary Committee on Local Government and National Housing to investigate land barons and fully exercise its oversight role for implementation of devolution principles.

She said this during the induction workshop for the portfolio committee in Mutare on Saturday.

“The committee should exercise its oversight and ensure that all the State institutions fully implement devolution principles,” she said.

“It is my belief that the Ministry of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing should spearhead local development through ensuring strict adherence to devolution and administration principles as enshrined in the Constitution of Zimbabwe, the supreme law of the land.

“I cannot overemphasise the need for provincial and metropolitan councils to be functional. The committee should ensure that devolution results in effective service delivery and economic development in all the provinces.”

The Deputy Speaker also said parliamentarians should challenge Treasury to allocate appropriate funds for development.

She challenged the committee to include the issue of illegal settlements in their work plans.

“I am glad to note that in the budget that we passed this year, we made provision for resources to be allocated to provinces and local authorities.

“This committee should ensure that Treasury releases the resources appropriated by Parliament for purposes of equalisation of development in Zimbabwe.

“Related to the above, Honourable Members, it is your role to make sure that you include in your work plan topical issues such as the regularisation of unplanned or illegal settlements where people build their homes without proper delivery being done.

“The practice where home seekers are being fleeced of their hard-earned money by land barons should be nipped in the bud,” Cde Gezi said.

She also challenged the committee to desist from malpractices when conducting parliamentary business.

You Might Also Like

Comments

Take our Survey

We value your opinion! Take a moment to complete our survey