Online Reporter
Diana Nherera
Norton Town Council says it is continuing to face challenges with refuse collection due to limited equipment.
In his report at the 305th full council meeting on Tuesday, town secretary, Mr Kizito Muhomba, said council operations were affected by a series of breakdowns of refuse equipment.
“Efforts were made to restore operations with only one refuse compactor, an IVECO compactor still sidelined and undergoing repairs,” he said.
“Council has recommended the procurement of additional refuse collection equipment and skip bins to improve efficiency and coverage.”.
Mr Muhomba said water during the first quarter remained largely dependent on supplies from the City of Harare, over which the council has limited control.
“This dependency continues to affect consistency and quality of supply to residents,” Mr Muhomba said.
“Notwithstanding these challenges, council is working in partnership with the University of Zimbabwe on a water supply feasibility study, which is approximately 95+ percent complete.
“The study is expected to provide sustainable long-term solutions to water supply challenges, strengthening the council’s position in attracting investment into water infrastructure and reducing reliance on external water sources.”
Mr Muhomba said the council had made progress in the installation of street lights across selected areas.
“However, concerns have been raised regarding the quality of some installations, which are reportedly failing to meet the required standards.
“Council will engage the supplier to address these shortcomings and map a way forward to ensure compliance with expected standards,” he said.
Mr Muhomba said the council has recorded progress in road maintenance through the delivery of a pedestrian roller compactor earmarked for pothole patching and compaction works.
Mr Muhomba said gravel patching at the town centre has commenced.
“However, there is a need for a solid solution,” he said.
Mr Muhomba said the council has established a direct communication line to its fire station (emergency services).
“This development will improve response and accessibility of emergency services to residents, thereby strengthening the council’s capacity to respond to fire and rescue incidents in a timely manner,” he said.
Mr Muhomba said the council advertised the sale of seven commercial stands in Knowe and Endeavour.
He said the disposal of the stands is aimed at mobilising resources to finance critical service delivery equipment, including the procurement of a refuse compactor and skip bins.
Instead of narrating what someone sitting in an office is saying, why don’t reporters go around see for themselves ask residents to comment and then compare and contrast with what these armchair commentators say. Norton stinks of sewage everywhere, Norton has unlevelled gravel roads Norton sits on a water table straddling Lake Chivero and Manyame but relies on Harare for water. Norton lights being talked about here are a joke. Katanga bus rank chaos competes with ranks in downtown Lagos Nigeria. It’s even worse when it rains. There is basically nothing functional in this dormitory town. We don’t have a functional council. The member of parliament for Norton constituency belongs to Warren Hills.