Matobo council gets fraction of devolution funds

The Matobo Rural District Council in Matabeleland South has significantly scaled down planned infrastructure projects after receiving only a fraction of its requested devolution funds.

The council had applied for ZiG104 million for legacy development projects but received only ZiG14.48 million in March, according to chief executive officer Alvis Sibanda.

Sibanda said the reduced allocation forced the local authority to revise its priorities and focus only on high-impact projects.

Despite the shortfall, the council has managed to procure a motorised backhoe loader using the funds. The equipment, together with a tipper truck purchased last year, is expected to support road rehabilitation and broader infrastructure maintenance across the district.

Sibanda said the council remains committed to improving service delivery despite financial constraints, noting that the new equipment would significantly enhance roadworks and maintenance capacity.

Ward 4 councillor Mxolisi Ncube, who sits on the finance committee, said the council intends to prioritise water infrastructure once further devolution funds are received, including plans to acquire a borehole drilling rig.

He added that revenue collection had improved, particularly from the business community, reflecting a positive shift in rate payments despite ongoing economic challenges.

Ncube said the council continues to face serious infrastructure gaps, particularly in road maintenance, which affects access to services in rural communities.

He noted that administrative restructuring has divided the area into Maphisa Town Board and the wider rural council, with residential settlements concentrated in areas such as St Joseph's, Tshelanyemba, and Sun Yet Sen.

Council officials say most current resolutions are focused on restoring basic service delivery and improving access to development through better road networks and water infrastructure.