Online Reporter
Patrick Chitumba, Zimpapers Writer
GWERU City Council (GCC) has significantly boosted its water pumping capacity by optimising existing infrastructure, carrying out repairs, and replacing ageing pipes. This has increased output from around 40 megalitres to over 61 megalitres per day, helping to meet growing demand.
Several city suburbs that previously endured water rationing — sometimes going days without a drop — have seen improved supplies, thanks to this increase in pumping capacity, according to Mayor Councillor, Martin Chivhoko.
“We have improved water supply by increasing pumping capacity from Gwenhoro Dam. Our daily pumping regime has risen from 40 megalitres per day to 61 megalitres. We did not install new pumps at Gwenhoro Dam, but we focused on optimising our existing infrastructure.
“We carried out repairs and replaced old pipes, reducing leaks and improving pressure. We also adjusted our pumping regime to make it more efficient,” he said.
Clr Chivhoko added that increased water levels at Gwenhoro Dam, aided by recent rains across the country, have also contributed to the improvement.
“Our dams are in a good state. Our target is to achieve around 65 megalitres per day to meet the city’s water demand. We are almost there, but we still need to keep working to ensure everyone gets the water they need,” he said.
He noted that while demand for water in Gweru stands at 120 megalitres per day, council infrastructure at present allows for only 65 megalitres, which remains insufficient.
Beyond water supply, the local authority has also upgraded Igonte and Chidanana Roads in Mkoba suburb and installed 125 solar streetlights along the Harare–Bulawayo road.
“Our infrastructure development has improved the quality of life for our residents, and we are committed to continuing this progress. We have acquired vehicles and machinery, and plans are underway to procure more,” said Clr Chivhoko.
He emphasised that GCC’s transportation infrastructure is critical for enabling staff to attend emergency services such as sewer repairs. To this end, the council has delivered vehicles, machinery, and accessories, including a CAT grader, ambulances and service trucks.
“We also managed to acquire a skip truck. So now, we have two new skip trucks added to our waste management fleet,” he said.
Clr Chivhoko highlighted strides in controlling disease outbreaks, providing patient care training to nurses, reviewing the solid waste management plan, and enforcing a dog tie-up order to curb the spread of rabies.
“Our efforts have resulted in improved health outcomes for residents, and we’re committed to continuing this trend. In 2026, we plan to decommission McFadden dumpsite and relocate it to Cambridgeshire. The environmental analysis for the decommissioning has been completed, along with the Environmental Impact Assessment for the proposed new landfill site. We are now working on the designs for the new site,” he said.
The Housing and Community Services Department has serviced the Mkoba 21 housing scheme, processing 321 Agreement of Sale forms. The council has also provided GIS training to employees and mapped graves at Senga Cemetery.
“The plans for 2026 show a balanced approach between expanding educational access and upgrading essential public recreational and cultural amenities.
“We successfully completed and commissioned ECD blocks at Mpumelelo Primary School in August 2025, in partnership with the Zimbabwe Defence Forces Day. This was a testament to effective strategic collaboration and directly addresses the need for accessible and quality primary education,” he said.
“The purchase of a school bus for Takwirira Primary School and a commuter omnibus for Mpumelelo Primary School has significantly improved student mobility.”
GCC, he added, has ensured auditing of the 2024 financial statements and reduced debtors’ levels to 55 percent.
Clr Chivhoko said the council has also renovated revenue halls and provided corporate wear for staff to ensure proper branding and identification.
“Our financial management practices have been recognised as sound, and we are committed to maintaining this standard,” he said.
During the first quarter of 2026, the local authority will conduct a waste survey to assist in planning for the new dumpsite.
“We hired three refuse trucks from the local authorities’ technical support unit. So now we have six trucks, including two hired ones,” he said.
GCC recently adopted a new vision and mission, which will guide its strategic plan going forward.
“Our new vision is: ‘A people-centred and globally competitive smart city by 2030’. This vision reflects our commitment to creating a city that is inclusive, innovative, and sustainable.
“We aim to make Gweru a hub for economic growth, social development, and environmental sustainability. Our mission is: ‘To provide inclusive, innovative, and sustainable services that improve quality of life through good governance and responsible resource management’. Our mission is centred on delivering services that meet residents’ needs while promoting transparency, accountability, and community engagement,” he said.
