admin
Thupeyo Muleya, Beitbridge Bureau
BEITBRIDGE Rural District Council (BBRDC) has finalised its masterplan which will guide the local authority’s expansion and service delivery over the next 15 years.
This initiative aligns with the recent “Call to Action” concept launched by President Mnangagwa, aimed at modernising local governance across the country.
In an interview, BBRDC acting chief executive officer Mr Peter Ncube said they are through with both the stakeholder engagement and the drafting process.
“We have reached the full and final stage of submission. Our deadline to submit to our parent ministry is April 25, and once that is complete, we can fully operationalise the document,” he said.
The masterplan prioritises sustainable development and aims to enhance the quality of life for residents.
“We have hit the ground running in terms of fully implementing the Call to Action Plan, which was launched by President Mnangagwa in November 2023,” Mr Ncube said.
To assist in developing the masterplan, the council engaged Abana Projects and Consultancy, ensuring that the final document reflects a comprehensive vision for the community.
“We have improved upon the draft masterplan adopted by Council on June 27, 2024, taking into account feedback from the Ministry of Local Government and other stakeholders.”
The new masterplan includes several ambitious proposals, that include the creation of the Limpopo and Umzingwane tourism corridors to enhance regional tourism and connect with existing routes established by the Gwanda Masterplan.
It also envisages to map and preserve the Pioneer Column route, extending from the Tuli Circle area to Harare.
The upgrading of the Lutumba growth point local development plan, with plans to transform it into a peri-urban centre, is on the masterplan.
This includes the servicing of over 500 residential stands, business stands, and facilities for a polyclinic among other amenities.
Mr Ncube emphasised the importance of community involvement throughout the planning process.
“We widely consulted to ensure that we move along with the community with a shared vision that translates into improved service delivery,” he said.
The masterplan is in tandem with the broader “Call for Action” initiative, which focuses on the modernisation and renewal of local authorities through a two-fold approach.
The first phase involves enhancing corporate governance and organisational capacity, laying the groundwork for effective modernisation.
The second phase focuses on creating tailored plans for each local authority to achieve renewal consistent with the goals of a 2030 upper-middle-income economy.
Online Reporter