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Walter Nyamukondiwa Mashonaland West Bureau
Vice President Constantino Chiwenga has called for the separation of Kariba Urban from the Nyaminyami Rural District Council, with two separate administrations for effective and efficient service to the people. Addressing traditional leaders and Government officials in Siakobvu recently, VP Chiwenga said this would form part of a broader move to stimulate development in the remote part of the district.

This, he said, included turning Siakobvu Hospital into a specialised hospital that will attract traffic into the area.
VP Chiwenga said he would take up the issue with President Mnangagwa and Cabinet, as Nyaminyami District was lagging behind in terms of development.

As a starting point, VP Chiwenga said, the complex in Siakobvu, which is expected to house all Government departments, should be completed urgently.

“I have spoken to the Minister of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing and I will talk to President Mnangagwa, but I have already seen the need to separate Kariba Urban and Nyaminyami into two districts,” he said.
“Kariba should have its own administration and Nyaminyami should also have their own administration. There should be a district administrator here (Nyaminyami) and another one in Kariba.”

VP Chiwenga said issues of delimitation would be handled later, adding that the move was also part of devolution in line with the Constitution.

People needing services such as birth registration have to travel to Karoi or Kariba Urban, which are more than 200 kilometres away, using boats or by road.

VP Chiwenga directed the Ministry of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing to complete assessment of Siakobvu Government complex to see if construction can resume or redone.
Construction work stalled in 2005 while at window level owing to lack of funds.
“We want the Government complex to be completed,” said VP Chiwenga.

“I have spoken to Minister July Moyo and said assessment of the current state of the building should be done within a month.

“We need to establish if the building still matches current demands. Once that is done, construction has to start and all civil servants need to come and work in Siakobvu. All departments of Government should be found here.”
VP Chiwenga said Nyaminyami was isolated and such interventions would help stimulate development.

Chief Nebiri applauded Government and the new dispensation for the vision and principles which have seen Government officials visiting the remote area.

“We are grateful for Government’s consideration for development in this area which fall far behind,” he said.
“With such focus, dedication and commitment as shown by the Vice President and Government officials, Nyaminyami will see development taking place.”

Chief Nebiri said the new leadership in Government listened to the people.
Government has targeted the development of outlying areas which are lagging behind, with VP Chiwenga visiting Kanyemba to spearhead development projects in the area.