Midlands completes 95 development projects

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THE Midlands province has completed 95 out of 410 tabled developmental projects for the year 2014, with an outstanding 315 ventures still to be accomplished, an official in the government Physical Planning department has said.

THE Midlands province has completed 95 out of 410 tabled developmental projects for the year 2014, with an outstanding 315 ventures still to be accomplished, an official in the government Physical Planning department has said. Stephen Chadenga/ Ivan Ndlovu

Chisainyerwa Chibururu, a physical planning officer, told delegates at a Provincial Development Committee (PDC) annual review meeting in Gweru last week that the province had planned to undertake a total of 410 projects at a cost of $13,5 million, but only finished 95.

Chibururu said the province was struggling in its developmental plans because of the prevailing macroeconomic environment, among other factors.

“In the year (2014) under review the province had a total of 410 projects projected at a cost of $13 592 863, but only 95 projects were completed,” he said.

“Overall, the province had a failure of 76,83% meaning 315 projects out of a total of 410 projects were not completed with a completion rate of 23,17%.”

Chibururu said this year was worse compared to the previous one, where 41% of the projects were completed.

“In 2013, the province managed to complete 228 projects, while 335 projects were still to be completed, which is a 40,5% completion and 59% failure rate respectively,” he said.

The official said the uncompleted projects had to be carried over to next year.

“The figures point to an unfavourable macroeconomic environment, as well as dwindling revenue base collection for local authorities, donors, government departments and local authorities failing to disclose their expenditures in time and the cash flow budget system,” he said.

According to the review, Gokwe North district implemented the highest number of projects (88) at a cost of $405 000, while Gweru and Mvuma had the least, 31 and 26 at a cost of $2,6 million and $300 000 respectively.

The urban development subsector had the highest number (97) of projects implemented while water and sanitation had the least at 23.