News / National
Matabeleland North minister still stuck in Bulawayo
2 hrs ago | 15 Views
Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs and Devolution minister Richard Moyo has not yet relocated to his official offices in Lupane, despite government claims that the provincial headquarters are fully operational.
The matter came to light in Parliament after Hwange East legislator Joseph Bonda pressed the government on when departments would be fully functional at the Lupane complex. He said residents and business operators were increasingly frustrated by being forced to travel to Bulawayo and Victoria Falls for basic services such as liquor licensing.
"For example, the Liquor Licence department is currently operating from Mhlahlandlela in Bulawayo," Bonda noted.
Local Government and Public Works minister Daniel Garwe told Parliament that the Lupane Composite Office had been handed over and that "most departments have been allocated and are now at the composite office."
However, Bonda challenged this response, highlighting that even the provincial minister of state has not moved into his official Lupane office. "Should we have any challenges in the province we are actually travelling to Bulawayo?" he asked.
He warned that the Lupane Welshman Mabhena Complex risked becoming a "white elephant and derelict" as officials continue to operate from Bulawayo.
In response, Deputy Local Government minister Marian Chombo confirmed that Moyo has not yet occupied his Lupane office or residence. She said accommodation for officials was still under construction, delaying the relocation process.
She added that the Liquor Licensing Department also remained in Bulawayo due to unresolved housing challenges for staff. "Once accommodation is arranged by the Public Works Department, the offices in Lupane will be occupied, ensuring a devolved service provision for the people in Matabeleland North," she assured Parliament.
The Lupane complex was built to anchor the province's administrative functions and bring government services closer to residents, but delays in its full occupation have drawn increasing criticism.
The matter came to light in Parliament after Hwange East legislator Joseph Bonda pressed the government on when departments would be fully functional at the Lupane complex. He said residents and business operators were increasingly frustrated by being forced to travel to Bulawayo and Victoria Falls for basic services such as liquor licensing.
"For example, the Liquor Licence department is currently operating from Mhlahlandlela in Bulawayo," Bonda noted.
Local Government and Public Works minister Daniel Garwe told Parliament that the Lupane Composite Office had been handed over and that "most departments have been allocated and are now at the composite office."
He warned that the Lupane Welshman Mabhena Complex risked becoming a "white elephant and derelict" as officials continue to operate from Bulawayo.
In response, Deputy Local Government minister Marian Chombo confirmed that Moyo has not yet occupied his Lupane office or residence. She said accommodation for officials was still under construction, delaying the relocation process.
She added that the Liquor Licensing Department also remained in Bulawayo due to unresolved housing challenges for staff. "Once accommodation is arranged by the Public Works Department, the offices in Lupane will be occupied, ensuring a devolved service provision for the people in Matabeleland North," she assured Parliament.
The Lupane complex was built to anchor the province's administrative functions and bring government services closer to residents, but delays in its full occupation have drawn increasing criticism.
Source - Southern Eye
Join the discussion
Loading comments…
