Devolution should spread to tender processes, says Mthuli Ncube

LOCAL companies should be given a fair chance to access infrastructure development projects that are tendered within their regions of operation in the spirit of devolution as the Second Republic widens its development trajectory to all corners of the country, a Cabinet Minister has said.

Responding to concerns raised by businesspeople from the Matabeleland region last week, Minister of Finance and Economic Development Professor Mthuli Ncube said devolution should not be just about disbursement of funds, but should touch on recognising and acknowledging the concept in the tender process as well.

He urged the relevant offices to afford a fair chance to companies from whose region the tendered projects were located and also called on the companies to have the necessary paperwork so that they qualify for the tenders.

"Like President Mnangagwa has been preaching, the Second Republic believes that no-one and no place should be left behind as the country continues in its efforts of achieving a middle-income economy by 2030. And key to achieving this goal is devolution. But devolution is not just about disbursing funds – it must also be seen through the growth and development of businesses within their varied regions. To this gain, if companies have the capacity to complete tasks through tenders awarded to them, then they should be given a fair chance. The President has been clear in that local firms must be given priority when it comes to infrastructural development projects that are currently being undertaken in the country. A Masvingo company must work on Masvingo projects if it has the capacity as should a Bulawayo company.

"My Ministry will look into concerns raised by local companies about tenders going to non-local companies yet the work can be done by locals easily. That is the whole point with devolution – local resources must benefit locals. And it is the same case with business development – we must let locals enjoy the benefits of local business opportunities," he added.

Several companies in Bulawayo have raised concerns over the awarding of tenders for national projects.

"We have been applying for Government tenders that are being issued through local authorities, but even when the local authority recommends us after vetting our tender bids and inspecting our equipment and premises, tenders are awarded to Harare companies. How then does devolution work if we are not being allowed to benefit from opportunities in our own region?" questioned Mr Nicholas Mathe, a Bulawayo businessman.

Meanwhile, Prof Ncube said his Ministry has addressed problems between local authorities and Government which have led to the delays and sometimes failure to disburse and effectively use devolution funds. He said consultations were initiated and concluded with local authorities including the Bulawayo City Council and all parties have made headway in ensuring that devolution funds will be used for the benefit of all citizens.

"We have spoken to local authorities including the Bulawayo City Council and they have understood the importance of working with Government in development projects. We also spoke to them about the need to draw devolution funds for projects such as roads, water and sewer reticulation, construction of police stations, clinics and schools among other key projects. e have received positive feedback in our engagements with local Government and work is currently being done to put the paperwork together that is needed to draw on these funds," revealed Prof Ncube.