Government commissions vehicles, motorbikes for Gokwe councils

THE Government has commissioned utility vehicles and motorbikes worth more than US$105 000 for Gokwe Town Council and Gokwe Rural District Council as part of efforts to enhance service delivery in the district.

Traditional leaders were also handed cellphones to improve communication.

The Minister of State for Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Cde Owen Ncube, presided over the commissioning ceremony held at Gokwe Centre, recently.

Addressing traditional leaders, councillors and council officials from the two local authorities, Minister Ncube said improved service delivery was key to achieving the country’s Vision 2030 development agenda.

“I am filled with profound gratitude as I address you on the occasion of the handover of seven motorbikes valued at US$8 960 and the commissioning of two Nissan Magnite service vehicles valued at US$43 000 for Gokwe Town Council, as well as 45 motorbikes valued at US$54 450 for Gokwe South RDC. We are also handing over smartphones to eight headmen,” he said.

Minister Ncube said the Government recognises the critical role played by councillors in enhancing service delivery and has prioritised capacitating them with mobility tools.

“In the same vein, I commend President Mnangagwa for issuing cellphones to traditional leaders and applaud both Gokwe South RDC and Gokwe Town Council for equipping councillors with similar gadgets to enhance e-governance as advocated under the National Development Strategy 2 pillar on science, technology, innovation and human capital development,” he said.

Minister Ncube urged councillors to effectively execute their roles, including providing feedback to residents, facilitating good corporate governance in local authorities and engaging communities through ward development committee meetings and budget consultations.

Councillors must also ensure that local authorities maintain and improve public infrastructure such as clinics, schools, water and sanitation facilities, while promoting the construction of Vision 2030-compliant buildings.

Minister Ncube noted that Gokwe was previously among the most underserved districts in the country, but said Government interventions under the Second Republic are transforming the area.

“I commend His Excellency President Dr ED Mnangagwa’s commitment to regional development and inclusivity through devolution and decentralisation, among other policy interventions such as the establishment of minimum service delivery standards,” he said.

He also commended local authorities in Midlands Province for implementing development projects in key sectors, including health, education, water and sanitation infrastructure.

“I take note of the 25 boreholes that Gokwe South RDC drilled using the devolution-funded drilling rig. However, more still needs to be done to ensure adherence to service delivery standards on access, affordability and quality,” said Minister Ncube.

He added that since the advent of the Second Republic in November 2017, the Government has created a favourable investment climate.

Minister Ncube revealed that a company had expressed interest in investing in a coal-to-fertiliser manufacturing plant along the Sengwa-Munyati Corridor.

“I therefore call upon responsible local authorities within the corridor to identify quick wins and investment opportunities along the value chain,” he said.

Following the favourable 2025/2026 rainfall season, Minister Ncube urged councillors to prioritise infrastructure maintenance, including pothole patching, grass cutting, gully reclamation, drainage and waste management.

“There is a need for local authorities to adhere to approved master plans when undertaking development. Illegal settlements will not be tolerated under the Second Republic,” he said.

Councillors welcomed the initiative, saying it will improve their mobility.

Gokwe South RDC councillor Abraham Nyamazana said the development will help leaders respond quickly to community needs.

“The vehicles and motorbikes will enable us to attend meetings and mobilise communities to participate in development programmes,” he said.

Traditional leaders also said the cellphones will improve communication and help relay important information to communities.

“The gadgets will help us relay information and warn communities when there is pending danger,” said Headman Mumbengezegwa.