GOVERNMENT’s devolution agenda has taken off in earnest, as provinces begin to utilise development funds under the $310 million facility set aside by Treasury.

Finance and Economic Development Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube said the amount will be increased in the next cycle.

Government allocated the funds to be shared among the 10 provinces based on a number of factors such as poverty levels in all rural districts, quality of infrastructure and size of population.

The state media reported that most provinces had started using the funds for construction of schools, clinics and roads, among other projects aimed at facilitating development.

Addressing the third Rural District Council Chairpersons’ Indaba in Victoria Falls recently, Prof Ncube said Treasury was considering increasing the amount being allocated, but would not do so until provinces and local authorities utilise what was allocated to them last year.

He said he had a poverty map for the country and knew all projects taking place under devolution.

-StateMedia