Online Reporter
Diana Nherera
City of Mutare has made significant progress in transforming the city through improved service delivery, strategic investments and strong partnerships.
Town clerk, Mr Kapuya Blessing Chafesuka, said despite challenges such as rising operational costs and ageing infrastructure, the city has continued to invest in critical public infrastructure, strengthening service delivery systems and deepening engagement with residents and stakeholders.
“Our achievements demonstrate our commitment to delivering quality services guided by the Minimum Service Delivery Standards and our Strategic Plan (2026 to 2030),” he said.
Among other milestones highlighted were the commissioning of the Chikanga Primary School ICT Computer Laboratory and new classroom blocks at Hobhouse Primary School, installation of AI-powered hybrid traffic lights at the Robert Mugabe Way-Herbert Chitepo Street intersection, acquisition and recruitment of four substantive directors, protection of 18 ecologically sensitive wetlands and the launch of the Senior Citizens Social Development Programme and the City of Mutare Boxing Academy.
Mutare mayor, Councillor Simon Chabuka, reaffirmed council’s commitment to building a modern, resilient and investment-friendly city.
“The direction is clear, the foundation has been laid and our resolve has never been stronger,” he said.
“Together with Government, development partners, the private sector, institutions of higher learning, our stakeholders and residents, we will continue transforming Mutare into a well-planned, economically vibrant, technologically advanced and service -oriented city.”
Cllr Chabuka announced some initiatives for the second half of 2026 which include the commencement of the Beira Corridor Primary School, development of the city’s first Local Economic Development (LED) Plan in partnership with GIZ, procurement of additional refuse collection trucks and operational equipment and development of a City Transformation Strategy with the Manicaland State University of Applied Sciences (MSUAS) to drive digital transformation and build a smart, resilient city.
The state of the city address concluded with a renewed call for unity and collaboration among Government development partners, the private sector, residents and stakeholders to accelerate the city’s development agenda.
