2% bookmakers levy drives development – Parly

The 2 percent levy collected by the Lotteries and Gaming Board (LGB) from bookmakers is being effectively channelled into high-impact projects aligned with Zimbabwe's national development priorities, a parliamentary report has revealed.

The findings were presented in Parliament by the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Defence, Home Affairs, Security Services and War Veterans Affairs, chaired by Chivi Central legislator, Exevia Maoneke.

Titled "The Impact of Projects Being Implemented by the Lotteries and Gaming Board as Part of its Corporate Social Responsibility in Zimbabwe," the report highlights how the levy has supported initiatives that are improving livelihoods and service delivery, particularly in underserved communities.

According to the committee, LGB-funded projects are playing a crucial role in advancing the objectives of the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) by addressing infrastructure gaps and promoting social equity.

"Interventions by the Lotteries and Gaming Board have significantly improved service delivery in previously underserved communities," the committee noted.

"These initiatives have not only advanced the implementation of key national policy frameworks, particularly the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), but have also played a pivotal role in bridging critical infrastructure gaps, fostering social equity and reinforcing citizens' constitutional entitlement to quality public services."

However, the committee also flagged several challenges affecting project implementation. These include delays in the approval of housing plans by the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, which have led to missed deadlines and slowed project execution.

The report further noted concerns over sustainability, with some beneficiary institutions failing to adequately maintain infrastructure such as clinics and schools constructed on their behalf.

"Significant discrepancies in project quotations by contractors raise accountability concerns and pose a serious challenge to the timely execution of scheduled projects," the committee said.

It also cited governance inefficiencies, noting that the LGB Board of Directors meets only once every four months, creating bottlenecks in decision-making, particularly when urgent financial adjustments are required.

To address these challenges, the committee recommended a series of reforms. It urged the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, working through the LGB, to ensure equitable distribution of projects across all provinces by July 31 this year. It also called for greater collaboration with traditional leaders, local authorities and Members of Parliament to enhance community ownership and long-term sustainability.

In a significant proposal, the committee recommended increasing the levy on licensed bookmakers from 2 percent to at least 4 percent by the end of next month to strengthen the Board's resource base and expand development initiatives targeting marginalised communities.

The Ministry of Local Government and Public Works was also tasked with expediting approval processes for public building projects, with a directive to process all applications within one month by July 31.

Additionally, government ministries were urged to safeguard public investments by taking full responsibility for maintaining infrastructure once projects are completed and handed over.

The committee underscored the importance of such interventions in achieving Zimbabwe's Vision 2030 agenda, which aims to transform the country into an upper-middle-income economy.

It commended the LGB for its contributions to sectors such as education, healthcare, sports and cultural preservation, describing the board as a "proactive and transformative agent" in national development.

"While the Lotteries and Gaming Board has laid a strong foundation for community transformation, sustained success will depend on robust governance, strategic partnerships and a renewed focus on efficiency," the committee said.

Among the projects visited by the committee were Herbert Chitepo Skills Training Centre and Elim Primary School in Mutasa, Kamungoma Heritage Site in Gutu, Harawa Mothers' Shelter in Zaka, Pupu Clinic and Mabhigwa Secondary School in Lupane, and Karigamombe Secondary School in Kadoma.