News / Local
Development of Matabeleland should be government priority
30 Oct 2026 at 20:53hrs |
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BULAWAYO - Civic Society and Churches Joint Forum national coordinator Max Mkandla has called on the Government to prioritise development in Matabeleland, arguing that the region has experienced decades of underdevelopment since Zimbabwe attained independence in 1980.
Mkandla said peace, unity and the elimination of tribalism were essential ingredients for meaningful development and urged communities to work together to address the challenges facing the region.
"We need peace and development and abolish tribalism. What we must do is to build peace. There is serious lack of development in Matabeleland which spans over 46 years now," he said.
"We must unite and develop the country because where there is no unity and peace there is no development."
He also called for greater involvement of development partners and donors in supporting community development projects across Matabeleland.
Mkandla's remarks come amid increasing concerns over the deteriorating state of roads in the region, with motorists, businesses and residents raising concerns about major transport routes.
Among the roads frequently cited by communities are the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Road, Bulawayo-Nkayi Road, Bulawayo-Tsholotsho Road, Bulawayo-Beitbridge Road and Bulawayo-Matobo Road.
Residents and transport operators say the poor condition of the roads is increasing transport costs, compromising road safety and affecting the movement of people, goods and services.
Calls have been made for urgent rehabilitation of the road network to improve connectivity and support economic growth in the region.
Legislators have also raised concerns over the pace of infrastructure development projects in Matabeleland, with some calling for increased investment in roads, healthcare, education and other essential services.
Mkandla said sustainable development would require a unified approach involving government, communities, civil society organisations and development partners.
He added that without peace and unity, efforts to improve infrastructure and attract investment would face significant challenges.
The comments add to growing calls for increased attention to infrastructure development and economic empowerment in Matabeleland as part of broader national development efforts.
Mkandla said peace, unity and the elimination of tribalism were essential ingredients for meaningful development and urged communities to work together to address the challenges facing the region.
"We need peace and development and abolish tribalism. What we must do is to build peace. There is serious lack of development in Matabeleland which spans over 46 years now," he said.
"We must unite and develop the country because where there is no unity and peace there is no development."
He also called for greater involvement of development partners and donors in supporting community development projects across Matabeleland.
Mkandla's remarks come amid increasing concerns over the deteriorating state of roads in the region, with motorists, businesses and residents raising concerns about major transport routes.
Residents and transport operators say the poor condition of the roads is increasing transport costs, compromising road safety and affecting the movement of people, goods and services.
Calls have been made for urgent rehabilitation of the road network to improve connectivity and support economic growth in the region.
Legislators have also raised concerns over the pace of infrastructure development projects in Matabeleland, with some calling for increased investment in roads, healthcare, education and other essential services.
Mkandla said sustainable development would require a unified approach involving government, communities, civil society organisations and development partners.
He added that without peace and unity, efforts to improve infrastructure and attract investment would face significant challenges.
The comments add to growing calls for increased attention to infrastructure development and economic empowerment in Matabeleland as part of broader national development efforts.
Source - Byo24News
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