Lovemore Kadzura
Mutare Bureau
Chipinge Rural District Council is expanding Maunganidze Growth Point into a smart city with urban features, which will see nearly 200 families being relocated to new sites.
According to the C9/OR/26, the local authority resolved to issue eviction notices to families occupying land designated in its Master Plan for future urban development, including sites, Government flats and other critical infrastructure projects.
In an interview, the council chairman, Alderman Godfrey Makuyana, said they intend to come up with a centre that will change the face of Chipinge and boost tourism around the Birchenough Bridge area.
He said the new city will have all key amenities to serve the local people who are currently travelling long distances to get services and buy goods.
“At Maunganidze Growth, there is a gazette of 1982 which set aside for urban expansion of the area,” he said.
“However, it took time for development to take place. Following the Government’s call to introduce smart cites we have found it prudent to develop the area into a modern urban settlement.
“Already there is an existing growth point site and another one marked for future expansion. There is already a Changadzi Support Unit. Maunganidze Irrigation Scheme will not be disturbed, but land will be reserved for its expansion. We expect to construct two new schools to cater for the growing population.
“A health centre is currently under construction. In the residential area, we are going to start with medium-density suburbs which are quite big. In the area already settled, we are going to incorporate people into high-density suburbs. We planned for one-stop shops such as service stations, vegetable markets and working spaces for small to medium enterprises.
For water, he said they will drill boreholes which will supply piped water to residents.
“Mainlines for water are already there. We are going to sell fully serviced stands,” Alderman Makuyana said.
“We have finished gravelling roads, but the intention is to surface them. We are working with Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority for the connection of the area to power.
“On business we want them to construct state-of-the-art and high-rise buildings. We want all service providers to be invited to set up businesses at the new city.
“We have so far identified four graves for exhumation, and we engaged the local traditional leaders for consent and guidance.”
