MDC secretary-general Priscilla Misihairabwi-Mushonga has dispelled what she termed a “general misconception” that the issue of devolution of power is for Bulawayo alone.
She said six out of the country’s 10 provinces had supported the idea during the new constitution outreach programme.
Speaking at an empowerment debate recently, Misihairabwi–Mushonga said all provinces outside Harare were lagging behind in terms of development and were supportive of devolution of power.
“There is a general misconception that devolution of power is an issue that is needed by Bulawayo only. It is not, and this is not the only province lagging behind in development that is in need of the devolution of power,” she said. “All the provinces that are outside Harare are suffering and their people need devolution.”
Misihairabwi-Mushonga said had the issue been raised in Mashonaland, it would have been easier for the government to adopt it.
“The problem is that the most vocal people about this are from Bulawayo, which is a marginalised area. If devolution was not raised by people in Matabeleland, it would have been easier for the government to support it,” she said.
“There is money and development in Harare because there is power concentrated in Harare. We need this development everywhere in Zimbabwe, not just for people in Harare.”
She said six of the country’s 10 provinces had supported the idea during the Parliament Constitution Select Committee Copac) outreach programme.
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According to the draft constitution released by Copac, devolution of power is enshrined in Chapter 5 under the title Tiers of government. It provides for devolution of functions and responsibilities, tiers of government, general principles of national, provincial and local government relations.
