Online Reporter
Fungai Lupande
Mashonaland Central Bureau
The devolution initiative that is being championed by the Second Republic has transformed local governance in Shamva, with various service delivery equipment being commissioned on Friday.
The equipment will significantly improve infrastructure and essential services throughout the district.
Chaminuka Rural District Council (RDC) acquired a CAT motorised grader valued at US$393 880 using devolution funds.
The grader is crucial for road maintenance and construction. Additionally, the Civil Protection Unit provided a fire tender worth US$464 296 last year, enhancing the district’s emergency and disaster response capabilities.
During the commissioning ceremony, Council chairperson Councillor Simon Matibayirakupusa praised the positive impact of the devolution policy, noting that it empowers local authorities to address community needs more effectively and with greater autonomy.
“Devolution is no longer just a concept; it is delivering tangible results on the ground,” Cllr Matibayirakupusa stated.“These assets will allow us to provide cleaner environments, safer roads, and quicker emergency responses.”
Alongside the devolution-funded grader and fire tender, Chaminuka RDC has utilised its internal revenue to purchase two refuse tractors and dumper trailers for US$40 850 for the Madziwa and Chakonda business centres. They also acquired a tractor-loader-backhoe for US$53 475 and a tipper truck for US$65 000.Furthermore, the local authority invested in three Nissan Navara single-cab vehicles for department use for US$88 200.
They bought 41 motorbikes for US$51 865, a Toyota Fortuner for the chief executive officer for US$75 700, and a Ford Ranger double cab for the Council chairperson’s office for US$45 595.
These investments support the Government’s Vision 2030 and National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), which aim to promote modern infrastructure and efficient service delivery at the local level.
“These vehicles and machines are not just for show; they are essential for development,” Cllr Matibayirakupusa said.“From refuse collection to road grading and enhancing councillor mobility, service delivery in Shamva is being modernized,” he said.
“Our goal is to transform Shamva into a model of rural development through unity, planning, and action.”
The new equipment will also assist the council in meeting the recently launched Minimum Service Delivery Standards, introduced in June by President Mnangagwa at the 4th All Local Authorities Indaba. These standards set clear benchmarks for public service delivery in areas such as water, sanitation, waste management, roads, lighting, and environmental health.
Despite challenges such as legacy debts, slow layout plan approvals, and inconsistent devolution disbursements, Chaminuka RDC remains committed to fulfilling its development mandate through improved revenue collection, community engagement, and strategic prioritisation. Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Christopher Magomo said Chaminuka RDC has set a shining example in effectively using public resources and strategic partnerships to accelerate local development.
He said the procurement of a modern fleet of service delivery equipment aligns with Vision 2030, which seeks to transform Zimbabwe into an upper-middle-income economy without leaving anyone or any place behind.“These assets are tools for accelerating progress, enabling effective governance, and improving people’s lives,” said Minister Magomo.
“They reflect the core values of the Second Republic under President Mnangagwa’s leadership of transparency, accountability, and people-centred service delivery.” The event also highlighted the role of the private sector in development.
Shamva Gold Mine was lauded for its corporate social responsibility initiatives in the district.
“This partnership model, where Government, local authorities, and the private sector collaborate, is a hallmark of the Second Republic” said Minister Magomo
“As the President often reminds us, ‘Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo’, a country is built by its people.”Due to the recent delimitation, some of the wards in Shamva are exceptionally large. Ward 6 Councillor Rodwell Chidzungu said he covered 16 villages on foot.
Travelling from Kasukuwere to Chionde has not been easy for Councillor Chidzungu, and he was ecstatic about receiving a motorbike.
“Out of the 16 villages, only nine have access to water. We lost several people to cholera, and I need to be present on the ground as their Councillor,” he said.
For non-ward Councillor Spiwe Zirori, visiting all the wards to connect with women has been a challenging undertaking.“I will use the motorbike to make my job easier. When women meet, we reach out and spread awareness about child abuse and gender-based violence,” she explained.
“We thank the President for providing us with the resources. Before, we were limited to the wards where we lived, which left others behind.”
