BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI AND NOTHANDO DUBE
Hwange West constituency plans to use its $2 million Community Development Fund (CDF) allocation on education, health, and community empowerment projects.
Hwange West Member of Parliament Godfrey Dube told VicFallsLive that the projects will include improvement of infrastructure in schools, clinics, dip tanks, small irrigation schemes and water sources, mainly in rural wards.
“If you look at Kachechete, Matetsi, Chidobe, Nemananga, Chikandakubi and Ward 19, which falls under the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (Zimparks), all need attention,” Dube said.
“It is mostly school infrastructure that needs repairs and expansion, clinics are far from the people.
“In Ward 19, most roads to the (game) park are not accessible and it has been worsened by coal mining companies that are causing havoc, especially in the Sinamatela area.”
He, however, bemoaned the $2 million constituency fund saying it was not enough to cover the needs of the community.
“It is no secret that the funds allocated to the CDF are very much inadequate,” Dube said.
“For example, from the 2021allocation of $ 2 million (which is less than US$20 000) there are a lot of expectations from the community, but the funds are limited.
“So, the CDF is not in a position to fund these major capital projects.”
Hwange West constituency comprises 11 urban and five rural wards.
The constituency faces perennial water shortages, has a poor road network and inadequate public schools, and hospitals.
Last year, schools like Mosi -Oa- Tunya, Sikumbi, Chikandakubi, Sikabela, Matetsi, Baobab, Chamabondo and Chinotimba benefited from the CDF while BH23 Dip tank under chief Mvuthu was also renovated.
“Although it’s a small amount, we put it to good use, of which residents are welcome to visit these sites,” Dube said.
“The communities are appreciative of the work done by the office, though the high expectations sometimes fail to match the resources allocated.
“We truly appreciate the relationship that exists between us and the community.”