Innocent Sibonginkosi Ncube
BULAWAYO – The Matabeleland North Provincial Minister of State, Richard Moyo, is yet to relocate to his official office in Lupane, raising questions in Parliament about the government’s commitment to fully operationalizing the provincial capital.
The issue was brought to the fore by Hwange East legislator, Joseph Bonda, who highlighted the frustrations of citizens and business operators forced to travel to Bulawayo and Victoria Falls for essential government services, such as liquor licensing.
“For example, the Liquor Licence department is currently operating from Mhlahlandlela in Bulawayo,” Bonda stated, challenging the government’s progress on decentralisation.
In response, the Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Daniel Garwe, claimed that the Lupane Composite Office had been handed over and that “most of the departments have been allocated and are now at the composite office.”
However, Bonda directly countered the Minister’s assertion, pointing to the absence of the province’s own top official.
“Should we have any challenges in the province we are actually travelling to Bulawayo?” Bonda asked.
“So, when exactly are we going to have those offices starting from the minister of state operating from the province?”
He expressed concern that the Lupane Welshman Mabhena Complex is fast becoming a “white elephant and derelict” while key officials remain stationed in Bulawayo.
The Deputy Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Marian Chombo, acknowledged the delays, confirming that Minister Moyo has not yet occupied his office or official residency in Lupane.
“I would like to let you know that a few modalities are still being worked out,” Chombo said.
“For example, accommodation is still being constructed for these various officials.”
She assured Parliament that once the Public Works Department finalises accommodation, the offices will be occupied, paving the way for “a devolved service provision for the people in Matabeleland North.”
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