Online Reporter
Herald Reporter
Norton Ward 7 is emerging as a model of community-driven development, with improved access to clean water, enhanced social welfare programmes and infrastructure advocacy transforming the lives of residents through strategic partnerships and grassroots leadership.
At the centre of these initiatives is Ward 7 Councillor Tinashe Machemedze, whose efforts have focused on addressing residents’ everyday needs while mobilising support from development partners, Government and the local community.
A major milestone has been the installation of seven solar-powered boreholes, funded through a partnership with United Arab Emirates (UAE) Aid, providing thousands of residents with reliable access to safe drinking water and reducing dependence on the municipal water supply.
The boreholes, strategically located across the ward, have eased the burden on women, children and elderly residents who previously travelled long distances to access water.
They complement other community borehole initiatives aimed at addressing persistent water shortages in Norton, which relies heavily on water supplies from Harare.
Residents say the boreholes have become vital community assets, ensuring year-round access to clean water, reducing queues and contributing to improved public health.
Councillor Machemedze said sustainable development begins with addressing the basic needs of communities.
“Access to clean water is a basic human right. These seven solar-powered boreholes have restored dignity to our residents, especially women, children and senior citizens who previously struggled to access safe water,” he said.
“Our vision is to continue delivering practical solutions that improve livelihoods while ensuring no family is left behind.”
He said partnerships remain central to accelerating development.
“Working together with our development partners, Government and the community enables us to achieve far more than we could individually,” he said.
“Every project we undertake is guided by the needs of our residents, and we remain committed to expanding opportunities for young people, improving infrastructure and strengthening community welfare.”.
Beyond improving water access, Councillor Machemedze has mobilised support for vulnerable households, championed community clean-up campaigns and advocated for improved roads and public infrastructure.
Earlier this year, he drew attention after calling for contractors responsible for road rehabilitation projects in Ward 7 to be held accountable over alleged substandard workmanship, arguing that residents deserve quality infrastructure and value for public funds.
His community-focused approach was recently recognised by Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training Minister Tino Machakaire during a humanitarian outreach programme in Norton where groceries, wheelchairs and other essential supplies were distributed to disadvantaged families.
Minister Machakaire commended Councillor Machemedze’s commitment to serving residents beyond the election period.
“Councillor Tinashe Machemedze has demonstrated that effective leadership is measured by service to the people. His commitment to improving lives in Ward 7 is commendable, and I encourage him to continue filling the gaps that exist within the community,” he said.
The minister also encouraged greater focus on empowering young people living with disabilities through skills development and economic empowerment initiatives.
“As we build prosperous communities, we must ensure that young people with disabilities are not left behind,” he said.
“I encourage Councillor Machemedze to expand programmes that provide skills development, economic empowerment and opportunities that enable them to become active contributors to national development.”
Norton Town Council has previously acknowledged community borehole initiatives in Ward 7 as an important intervention in easing the town’s recurring water shortages.
For many residents, however, the impact is measured by the tangible improvements in their daily lives, with easier access to clean water and growing community partnerships demonstrating how local initiatives can complement national development goals and improve service delivery at grassroots level.
