HEADS of government departments in Matabeleland North have reportedly relocated from Bulawayo to Lupane, the administrative centre for the region, in a broader effort to decentralise government services.
Since 1980, Matabeleland North provincial government offices have been operating from Bulawayo, almost 200 kilometres away.
In September last year, Cabinet approved the relocation of Matabeleland North provincial offices from Bulawayo to Lupane Centre.
The relocation of the heads of departments stalled because the construction of the government complex, which started in 2012, was incomplete.
Provincial permanent secretary, Sithandiwe Ndumo Ncube, however, confirmed the relocation during a monitoring and evaluation tour on Wednesday.
Her visit included inspection of the newly-completed government complex and adjacent government housing units, which have now been handed over and occupied by departmental heads.
“This is a turning point for Matabeleland North. The physical presence of our leadership here will enhance service delivery and development,” said Ncube.
Ncube emphasised the importance of the proximity of government officials to the communities they serve.
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“By embedding senior officials within the province, the government hopes to foster more responsive leadership, local accountability and people-centred development,” she said.
“This is not just a logistical shift, it is a strategic realignment meant to anchor growth through direct engagement and presence.”
The complex is named after the late Welshman Mabhena, a prominent Zapu politician.
Originally conceptualised as an administrative centre for the region, the project has faced delays, primarily due to funding constraints.
A number of deadlines were missed due to funding challenges.
Critics said there was no political will on the part of government to develop Matabeleland North, as seen in its failure to provide offices in the provincial capital.
The construction of the provincial hospital, which began in 1999 when Lupane was made the provincial capital of Matabeleland North, is moving at a snail’s pace.
Currently, people in the greater Matabeleland North rely on Bulawayo’s Mpilo and United Bulawayo Hospitals for referral medical services.
The government had promised to complete the hospital ahead of the 2023 elections.
