BY STAFF REPORTER

In a recent interview, Nokuthaba Dlamini, managing editor of VicFallsLive, sat down with Effie Ncube, a political and economic analyst, to delve into the implications of Zimbabwe’s Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion, Mthuli Ncube’s mid-term budget on Matabeleland North province.

The discussion shed light on pressing issues affecting the region, including climate-induced droughts, road infrastructure, the Ziminya Dam project, and the alignment of government development goals with the province’s needs.

As one of the largest provinces in Zimbabwe by geographical size, Matabeleland North faces unique challenges that require tailored solutions.

Ncube shared insights on the government’s response to these challenges, highlighting areas of concern and opportunities for improvement. From food insecurity and road neglect to water scarcity and development disparities, the conversation provided a comprehensive analysis of the mid-term budget’s impact on Matabeleland North.

1. How can the government justify not providing food aid to all vulnerable populations in Matabeleland North, despite acknowledging the hunger crisis in the region?

While statistics show government has delivered grain to every district in the country to alleviate hunger, this is still below required quantities, particularly for hardest hit areas. Matabeleland North, like the rest of Matabeleland, has relatively low rainfall even in the best of times. This translates to low yields per hectare even for drought-resilient crops like millet and sorghum. The 2023/24 season was hit hard by the El Nino-induced drought throughout Zimbabwe and a large part of Southern Africa. In some areas subsistence harvest went down by as much as 80%, a huge decline by any standards. Matabeleland North is one of the hardest hit areas, something that has rendered virtually every household food insecure and in need of very urgent assistance. The dire situation has been compounded by a combination of poverty and one of the highest food inflations in the world. Many people are unemployed and without sustainable incomes. High food prices means even the few with money to buy food cannot afford it. This in turn means a large population requiring food assistance. Government has rightly acknowledged the perilous food situation and committed to addressing it. Unfortunately very little has gone through and many people have been left out. This needs to change before we see people dying of hunger. The recent budget gave substantial resources to the Ministry of Social Welfare to alleviate food shortages. This is a welcome development. However, the allocation is still inadequate given the situation on the ground. We need more resources to cover every vulnerable household and strengthen food and nutritional security.

2. What are the underlying reasons for the government’s failure to address the critical road infrastructure needs in Matabeleland North, particularly in areas like Nkayi, Victoria Falls, and Binga?

Very little resources have been allocated for road infrastructure development in Matabeleland North, the largest province by geographical size. Verbal statements have not been matched by budgetary commitments of the levels and consistency required to change the situation. Roads don’t build themselves but are products of budgetary allocations based on clear economic planning. Roads in Matabeleland North, like the rest of Matabeleland, have been neglected for decades and their state is a testimony to of this. This situation won’t change until the government make resources available.

Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Road in Lupinyu

3. Can you comment on the minister’s omission of the Ziminya Dam project in Nkayi, which has been left out despite its potential to alleviate water and food insecurity in the region?

Again this was a missed opportunity to make a serious impact on food and water security in Matabeleland North. That dam must be finished and more are needed in Nkayi and across Matabeleland North and South. An arid region requires innovative and wider ways of water harvesting. Dams are one part of this. Beyond helping households with water for irrigation, dams also help in livestock rearing. In drought seasons thousands of livestock perish across Matabeleland mainly due to shortage of water. The death of livestock take away incomes and draught power that contributes to food security. Therefore water is a critical component of economic development and the wellbeing of any nation. Neglecting water development do lead to deep poverty, high insecurity and reduced economic development.

4. How does the minister’s presentation align with the government’s broader development goals and strategies for Matabeleland North, and are there any discrepancies or areas for improvement?

The budget did not address the major issues hampering development in Matabeleland North. The government mantra says leaving no place behind. However, unless this is supported with firm and tailored budgetary allocations that respond to the long-standing developmental needs of different areas in the country, many places will be left behind and are being left behind. While some of the infrastructure development projects such as the expansion of Hwange Thermal Power Station Unit 7 and 8, Lake Gwayi-Shangani, Lupane Provincial Hospital, Lupane State University, Victoria Falls International Airport, and the Hwange Teachers’ College are based in Matabeleland North, these alone cannot change things on the ground, *given years of neglect which has given birth to a huge development backlog.* For instance, the province has a huge shortage of schools, clinics, dams, and boreholes. The roads such as Bulawayo-Tsholotsho, Bulawayo-Nkayi, Kwekwe-Lupane, Nkayi-Gokwe Roads, the all-important Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Road and many others are terrible and impassable despite decades of talk and promises. Children still walk extremely long distances to find a school. On getting to school, there are no learning and teaching aids, leading to high failure rate. Many expectant mothers are dying because of long distance to health centres. Many people die on their way to Mpilo Hospital because poor roads make it difficult for ambulances to get them to critical care on time. Decades of neglect will require decades of sustained investments to undo the damage.

Matabeleland North remains the poorest province in the country despite its rich resources and development potential. Many people is this province go to bed without a meal, unemployment is high, access to clean water and safe sanitation is very low, and stunted growth among children is very high. Major indicators about the quality of life are negative. To change this will take serious resources over time and a change and  reorganisation of the development agenda.

5. Can you assess the potential long-term consequences of neglecting critical infrastructure projects like road repairs and dam construction in Matabeleland North?

Infrastructure is critical to investment. Without good roads and adequate supply of water much of the development agenda comes to a stop. Fighting hunger and diseases required working infrastructure. Rain-fed agriculture is extremely unreleable for food and nutritional security, hence the need for dams. Livestock too, a critical component of the local economy and a key source of income for many households, require adequate water supply. Education drives economies. Without schools, it is impossible to eradicate poverty and ensure high quality of life. Health care is also important for development.  Better access to quality health care and sanitation reduces deaths and illnesses. It reduces money lost on people dying of preventable causes.Healthy people drive economic growth. Therefore, neglecting infrastructure hinders development.