By Talkmore F Mapfumo
Mazowe – Permanent Secretary for Provincial Affairs and Devolution in Mashonaland Central, Christopher Muguti, has called for sweeping reforms to local governance, infrastructure development and industrialisation, arguing that these are critical to the success of devolution and sustainable economic growth in the province.
Speaking at the ongoing 2026 Mashonaland Central Provincial Investment Dialogue themed “Accelerating Rural Industrialisation and Modernising for Sustainable Growth in Mashonaland Central Province,” Muguti said devolution must go beyond the transfer of resources and empower communities to drive their own development.
He stressed that grassroots structures such as Village Development Committees (VIDCOs) and Ward Development Committees (WADCOs) should play a central role in development planning.
“As Government, we cannot bypass VIDCOs and WADCOs because the struggle for independence was fought to ensure that people participate in decisions affecting their lives and communities,” he said.
Muguti said infrastructure development was essential for economic empowerment, highlighting the need for improved road networks and connectivity to support trade, investment and economic activity across the province.
He also advocated for greater decentralisation of industry, questioning why value addition and processing continue to be concentrated in major urban centres.
“Why can’t we have food processing plants and mineral refineries located within the provinces where these resources are produced?” Muguti asked, arguing that local processing would create jobs and ensure communities benefit directly from their natural resources.
The Permanent Secretary further called for reforms to local government structures, proposing that distinctions between rural and urban local authorities be harmonised to create a more unified development framework.
On economic planning, Muguti expressed concern that many local authorities have prioritised commercial activities with limited developmental impact while neglecting productive industries capable of creating employment and driving growth.
He said local authorities should focus on attracting investment, supporting industrial development and creating opportunities for young people as part of efforts to address social challenges, including drug and substance abuse.
Muguti also highlighted the province’s untapped tourism potential, citing attractions that already draw thousands of visitors every weekend. He said strategic investment in tourism infrastructure and services could transform the sector into a significant contributor to provincial economic growth.
His remarks come as Mashonaland Central seeks to position itself as an investment destination through devolution, rural industrialisation and modernisation initiatives aimed at accelerating economic development and improving livelihoods across the province.