Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya
Beitbridge Bureau
BEITBRIDGE Municipality has started cleaning blocked storm-water drains across the border town in preparation for the upcoming rainy season.
The initiative seeks to prevent flooding and ensure the smooth flow of water through the town’s drainage system, which has become a perennial headache.
Suburbs in low-lying areas, among them Dulivhadzimu and the old bus terminus and council hostels.
Beitbridge Mayor, Clr Peter Pirato Mafuta, announced in a statement on Thursday.
He said it was important for them to maintain the town’s infrastructure to prevent damage and disruptions during the rainy season.
Clr Mafuta said the local authority was working on several projects that would translate into improved service delivery in the town.
Some of these include the construction of Dulivhadzimu bus terminus, clearing staff salaries areas, improving water and sewer reticulation services among others.
“I am pleased to report that we are currently doing drainage cleaning and pothole patching, and we have employed a Civil Technician (Roads),” said Clr Mafuta.
“So we are hoping there will be more progress before the onset of the rainy season. As a local authority, we have been experiencing lots of sewer blockages of late, and our team is on the ground working around the clock to clear them.
“As previously highlighted, the Office of the Mayor believes we should explore other options in our drive to clear the sewer backlog and in that regard, the relevant senior management has been tasked to look into this and provide possible alternative interventions.”
He said in terms of water reticulation, the situation remained stable after the council settled its debt with the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA), which was now affecting the constant supply of water across the town.
The mayor also encouraged rate payers and stakeholders to service their bills at the municipality so that the local authority may improve its capacity to provide people-centred service delivery.
He said the construction of Wamlala road linking Dulivhadzimu and Khwalu suburbs will begin next week, after the contractor was paid by the Zimbabwe National Road Administration (ZINARA).
“Work on the bus terminus is on track, and we now have the G-blocks (pavers) on site. Initially, we had transport challenges, through collaboration with community members, we have been able to get material delivered on site,” said Clr Mafuta.
“On salaries, efforts are being made to clear at least one month owing to the USD component in October, and the intention is to clear the backlog before the end of December.”
He said the local authority was working on a long-term solution to end recurrent sewer blockages in all hot spot areas within the town.
Clr Mafuta also emphasised the need for the community to increase civic participation to ensure the council delivers programmes in line with their aspirations.
“As the year winds down, we will soon be starting the budget consultations. I appeal to all of us to participate fully in this. We are fully committed to listening and taking on board both criticisms and suggestions. Please constantly liaise with your councillors for the dates of these consultative meetings,” he appealed.
He said collaborative efforts were required to end littering and tame the scourge of drugs and substance abuse.
