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Cletus Mushanawani Mashonaland Central Bureau
RUSHINGA Rural District Council has channelled 70 percent of its budget allocation to infrastructural development in pursuit of Government’s Vision 2030.

In an interview, Rushinga RDC chief executive Mr Paradzai Munyede said they were allocated $1,2 million in the 2019 National Budget and were going to use $800 000 on infrastructural development, which was lacking in the district.

“This is the first time we have been allocated money in the National Budget and we have already identified priority areas where we will channel the money,” he said.

“Rushinga has been lagging behind in terms of infrastructural development, resulting in most professionals shunning the district. We have challenges of schools, as well as teachers’ accommodation.

“Some of the schools here still have pole and dagga infrastructure, while some buildings are dilapidated. We want to come up with proper structures that will match any standards across the country.

“Our vision is to have quality graduates by 2030. We can only achieve that if we improve our infrastructure so that we attract more qualified personnel.”

Mr Munyede said 15 percent of the budget allocation would go towards health facilities.

“We aim to build new clinics and upgrade the existing ones,” said Mr Munyede.

“We want to ensure that most of our clinics have waiting rooms for expecting mothers and their spouses.”

Mr Munyede said the last 15 percent would go towards improving water reticulation in the area. “We want to increase the number of weirs so that we harness most of the water in the district,” he said.

“A lot of water is being lost annually, so if we have more weirs, we will be able to harvest it and ensure food security in the drought-prone district.”

Mr Munyede said they were working with their legislator, Cde Tendai Nyabani, to set up a solar-powered water system in Nyatsato area. “A borehole was sunk in that area and capacity tests were done and it was discovered that it has enough water for the solar-powered water system project,” he said.

“The project will ensure that there is piped water at the clinic, primary school, shops and some households. A local committee will be put in place to collect money that will be used for repairs and efficient running of the project.”

Mr Munyede said the construction of the Chimhanda-Rushinga water pipeline was at an advanced stage and was expected to be completed soon.