Gweru boosts service delivery with US$230k investment

THE Government has commissioned new equipment and vehicles for Gweru City Council (GCC) valued at US$230 000 to enhance service delivery in the Midlands Province capital.

This significant investment is expected to improve the quality of services provided by the local authority, ultimately benefitting residents and contributing to the overall development of Gweru.

The new additions include two ambulances to strengthen emergency medical services and two service vehicles to support various council operations.

GCC has also acquired essential agricultural equipment, comprising a boom sprayer for efficient crop spraying, a planter to facilitate planting and harvesting and a drum mower for effective grass-cutting and maintenance.

This initiative aligns with the Government’s Call to Action: No Compromise to Service Delivery blueprint, which aims to strengthen local authorities and enhance service delivery.

Officiating at the commissioning ceremony held at Gweru Fire Station, Minister of State for Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Owen Ncube, commended the local authority for its commitment to improving service delivery.

“It is with great honour that we are gathered here for the commissioning of two ambulances, two service vehicles, a boom sprayer, a planter and a drum mower, procured by Gweru City Council at a cost of over US$230 000,” he said.

“This investment will enhance service delivery in the Midlands Province capital from internally mobilised funds, illustrating the local authority’s commendable budget performance.”

He emphasised that Gweru City Council remains the front office of the Midlands Province and should align its projects with the national development trajectory, particularly the provincial economic development plan, which underpins the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) at the local level.

Minister Ncube also highlighted the Second Republic’s commitment to corporate governance reforms and efficient revenue collection by local authorities to ensure timely, high-quality and accessible services for residents and other stakeholders, including vendors, investors, youths, women, churches and persons with disabilities, as stipulated in Section 22 of the Constitution.

“In this regard, I urge all ratepayers to pay their rates and levies for services to be duly provided. President Mnangagwa envisions the transformation of Zimbabwe’s socio-economic landscape into an upper-middle-income society earlier than 2030.

“This transformation is underpinned by inclusivity, private sector-led innovation, modernisation, industrialisation and adherence to national values such as commitment, hard work, loyalty, transparency, accountability and patriotism,” he said.

Minister Ncube underscored the importance of local authorities in driving community transformation and economic growth, stressing that it is no longer “business as usual” as Zimbabwe works towards achieving Vision 2030.

“Our results-oriented and people-centric leader, President Mnangagwa, launched the Call to Action: No Compromise to Service Delivery blueprint, which directs local authorities to be responsive to residents’ development needs while aligning with national priorities,” he said.

Minister Ncube further urged local authorities to prioritise road rehabilitation, grass-cutting, street lighting, water and sewer reticulation and the provision of workspaces for vendors and small to medium enterprises (SMEs) as the rainy season subsides.

“I commend Gweru City for fostering a favourable investment climate through continuous engagement with the business community and potential investors,” he said.

Minister Ncube also praised GCC for investing in business ventures that create employment, produce goods and services and stabilise the city’s budget, shielding residents from exorbitant rate and levy increases.

“I am reliably informed that some of the equipment being commissioned today will be used at Go-Beer Farm, reflecting the city’s commitment to Vision 2030’s Agriculture 8.0 Accelerator Model. This approach aligns with the Agricultural Food Systems and Transformation Strategy, which promotes food security, self-sufficiency, value addition and beneficiation,” he said.

The minister reiterated that infrastructure modernisation through public sector investment programmes, public-private partnerships, and urban renewal spearheaded by local authorities remains a top priority for the New Dispensation since its inception in November 2017.

Speaking at the same event, Gweru Mayor, Councillor Martin Chivhoko, said the acquisition of the equipment and vehicles marks a significant milestone in improving healthcare services, service delivery efficiency and agricultural support in the province.

“The two brand-new ambulances, each costing US$84 960, represent a major investment in our healthcare system.

These ambulances are equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment and will be staffed by highly trained paramedics to provide critical care for patients in need,” he said.

Clr Chivhoko added that, in addition to the procurement of ambulances, there were two Nissan Navara single-cab vehicles, costing US$28 500 each.

“These vehicles will be used to deliver essential services such as water and sewer maintenance, revenue collection and licensing. “Furthermore, the farm equipment for Go-Beer Farm includes a boom sprayer costing US$1 900, a planter costing US$2 100, and a drum mower costing US$2 900,” he said.