Chronicle Editor
Ashley Phiri, [email protected]
BINGA Rural District Council has unveiled its comprehensive 20-year masterplan, which covers the period from 2024 to 2044.
Aimed at guiding the district’s development, this strategic plan is now open for public exhibition. Its goal is to ensure sustainable growth and a better standard of living for residents.
Earlier this year, President Mnangagwa called for all 92 local authorities in the country to prepare masterplans by June, and Binga has responded with its own blueprint.
The masterplan, which depicts how the council ought to grow and deliver services, includes a regional plan that covers the whole province, followed by the Binga masterplan, a local development plan, and a local subject plan.
Community participation is critical, and residents of Binga are urged to engage with the masterplan, which is available for review at several locations, including the Binga RDC office and various local board offices.
The plan will be open for exhibition until December 29, and residents are invited to submit feedback or objections by the deadline of January 14, 2025.
The Binga District masterplan is expansive, covering a wide geographical area with specific reference to the Zimbabwe-Zambia international boundary, communal lands, and natural features like the Shangani River and Chizarira National Park.
Primary objectives include urban planning, improving infrastructure and residential development, sustainable resource management, with a particular emphasis on agriculture and tourism, community empowerment, and engaging local stakeholders to ensure that residents’ needs are met.
In a statement, Binga RDC chief executive officer, Mr Joshua Muzamba, emphasised the importance of community involvement in shaping the future of Binga.
“We urge all interested parties to review the masterplan and provide their input. This is a collaborative effort to create a developed district with empowered and self-reliant communities by 2025,” he said.
“Residents can submit their comments or concerns via email at [email protected], or reach out through WhatsApp on 0778 651 657.
“Written objections can also be directed to the Provincial Planning Officer in Bulawayo.”
Mr Muzamba said the masterplan is a crucial step towards achieving the council’s mission of effective, efficient, and sustainable management of resources, promoting economic growth and improving living conditions for all citizens.
Online Reporter