Bulilima RDC prepares for move to Ndiweni Rural Service Centre

PLANS are underway for Bulilima Rural District Council to relocate its administrative offices from Plumtree Town to a new site at Ndiweni Rural Service Centre, in line with a proposed master plan currently awaiting Government approval.

For many years, both Bulilima and Mangwe Rural District Councils have been operating from Plumtree Town, following their separation into three distinct councils, which include Plumtree Town Council.

Bulilima Chief Executive Officer, Mr Billiat Mlauzi, said they are awaiting approval of the new council master plan, which will guide upcoming developments.

“As far as the master plan is concerned, we have completed all the required processes. We are now making the final submission for approval, which we expect to be granted soon. One of the key components of the plan is the relocation of our administrative offices to Ndiweni Rural Service Centre, as approved by council,” he said.

Mr Mlauzi said the proposed site is intended to be developed into a fully-fledged township, which will eventually accommodate all council departments and employees. He added that the area is already showing signs of development, with several stands identified for servicing before they are allocated to members of the public.

“There are many advantages to establishing our offices at this site. The place is already popularly referred to as ‘Ekhansili’ because there used to be council offices there. We already have a council hall and the Ndiweni Council Clinic in place. In terms of water supply, we have Coasted Dam, which ZINWA approved for our use during the master planning process.

“If you look at the geographic layout of the district, Ndiweni Centre is conveniently located, making it accessible to residents from all wards,” said Mr Mlauzi.

Turning to other developments in the district, Mr Mlauzi said a number of health and education projects were also underway. He revealed that the local authority was working on completing and operationalising two clinics this year.

“Nyabane Clinic, a community-led project supported by the diaspora and the council, is expected to be commissioned soon, after receiving a sponsorship. We are also finalising plumbing works at Ngwana Clinic.

“Our main challenge is the mobilisation of equipment for use by healthcare personnel. In the education sector, we have opened Ndiweni Junior School, which currently has one classroom block, and construction of a second block is in progress.

“We also have Tjemahale Secondary School, which enrolled its first learners in 2023. We are now working on the second classroom block with support from our diaspora community and local residents. We expect this block to be completed by June or July. Both schools are yet to be officially commissioned,” he said.

Mr Mlauzi added that numerous other development projects were being implemented in partnership with the diaspora and the local community.

He commended the diaspora community for their significant role in financing various initiatives, complementing Government efforts through devolution and the CAMPFIRE programme, with local communities contributing labour.

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