Monday, July 22, 2013

Welshman Ncube MDC calls for full devolution of power

Ncube calls for full devolution of power
 

PROFESSOR Welshman Ncube-led MDC has launched its manifesto and unveiled a policy document "Actions for devolution" in Siachilaba, Binga advocating for full devolution of power to provinces and massive recapitalisation of the country's industry.

The 21 page manifesto tilted "Devolution is our new Revolution" seeks to address the imbalance Zimbabwe suffered under a centralised governance system since independence.

In its manifesto document, the MDC proposes a national policy framework for the reconstruction of Zimbabwe anchored on devolution, as it is convinced that the transference of power to communities is the only way to foster prosperity in the country.

Speaking at the formal launch on Saturday, Prof Ncube said the manifesto was MDC's commitment to marginalised communities and hoped once implemented would bridge the gap between people and their Government.

He said the launch held in Binga, one of the poorest areas in Zimbabwe, was by design because the MDC wanted to prove and make a statement that it had the marginalised interests at heart.

Binga is considered one of the most underdeveloped areas in Zimbabwe, where the majority of people survive on fishing from the Zambezi River.

Prof Ncube said once in government, the MDC would abolish the centralised system and replace it with devolution.

"Due to the absence of a devolved system, excessive centralisation of power, high levels of corruption, widespread bad governance had triggered the collapse of public service delivery.

"Zimbabwe has to move away from centralisation to devolution of power in which local communities can determine their own affairs. Zimbabwe is a failed state mainly because the model of governance we adopted is based on centralisation where the government sought to play a patrimonial role therefore disempowering other areas."

The manifesto focuses on three pillars, governance, revitalising the economy and social agenda which MDC hopes will attract communities to vote for its parliamentary and council candidates.

The launch was attended by MDC deputy president Edwin Mushoriwa, secretary general Priscilla Misihairabwi–Mushonga and deputy national chairman Frank Chamunorwa, parliamentary and council candidates and national executive members.

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