Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]
AS the country celebrates Women’s Month, female councillors in Gwanda Rural District Council feel empowered after receiving motorbikes, which will enhance their ability to serve their wards effectively.
With an increasing number of women taking leadership roles in governance and joining local authorities, female councillors in rural areas have often faced challenges in accessing the furthest parts of their wards due to long distances.
To address this, the Gwanda Rural District Council has purchased 27 motorbikes for its councillors, in addition to acquiring a backhoe loader and a tipper truck.
The equipment, valued at US$173 075, was purchased using council funds. The local authority has nine female councillors.
This year’s International Women’s Day is being commemorated under the theme: “For all women and girls: rights, equality and empowerment.” The theme underscores the urgent need to empower women, ensuring they enjoy equal rights and opportunities for a more equitable and just society.
Ward 3 Councillor Linda Moyo, described the motorbikes as an empowerment tool, particularly for female councillors, enabling them to serve their communities more effectively.
“We have a lot of responsibilities that come with being a councillor, such as data collection, sending out information to villagers, identifying developmental gaps and checking on the progress of projects, among others,” she said.
Clr Moyo stated it was difficult to carry out their duties without transport.
“In most cases, we couldn’t access certain areas in our wards because of the distance. This wasn’t sitting well with the villagers, who would complain that we were not visible. However, with these motorbikes, the situation will improve,” she said.
Ward 12 Councillor Nakisani Khupe, said that as a female councillor, it was not safe to travel at night, hence the motorbikes come in handy.
Clr Nokuthula Moyo said equipping councillors is crucial for them to fulfil their roles. Speaking at the recent commissioning of the equipment in Gwanda, Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe, in a speech read on his behalf by his deputy, Albert Mavunga, highlighted the significance of the acquisition.
He said the motorbikes would enable councillors to effectively monitor developments within their respective wards.
The vastness of most rural wards makes it difficult for them to cover their areas on foot.
“It is critical for you to have a full appreciation of the various needs of those who elected you into office by traversing the length and breadth of the areas under your leadership using these motorbikes. Furthermore, you become more visible, thereby building confidence and trust within your communities,” he said.
“These motorcycles are not for leisure; they are meant for councillors to co-ordinate development activities within their wards. I implore you to visit project sites, assess progress, and give feedback to the council as required.”
Speaking at the same event, Gwanda Rural District Council chief executive officer, Mr Ranganai Sibanda, said the equipment will help improve service delivery and enhance the council’s visibility in the community.
“The tipper truck and backhoe loader will help us to fulfil our mandate on infrastructure development. We are dedicated to improving the standards of living for community members,” he said.
“There is also a concern regarding the mobility of our councillors, as some have to walk over 20 kilometres to reach the furthest areas. The motorbikes will also improve the visibility of the council in the community and enhance service delivery.”
Mr Sibanda further clarified that the local authority used council revenue to purchase the equipment. —@DubeMatutu
derick.khumalo