Online Reporter
Patrick Chitumba
The Gweru City Council (GCC) has embarked on a strategic planning exercise, bringing together representatives from various stakeholders to chart the city’s development course in line with Vision 2030.
The five-day workshop is being held in Bulawayo.
In his address, Gweru District Development Coordinator Mr Tarisai Mudadigwa commended the diverse representation, saying it would ensure that the city benefits from a wide range of views and expertise.
“We applaud this initiative, and we know that this exercise is crucial for the benefit of Gweru,” he said.
Mr Mudadigwa said the strategic planning exercise is set against the backdrop of the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS 2), with the aim of aligning the city’s plans with the aspirations of the Second Republic.
He said the thematic areas for NDS 2 will cover about 10 areas, and the council is looking to have a vision ahead of 2030.
“We should have Vision 2030 in mind and work towards achieving it as a local authority. We should not be over-ambitious, but we must make sure we try to have targets for water supply, roads, environment, and corporate governance issues,” he said.
Residents, Mr Mudadigwa said, also have a crucial role to play in the city’s development, urging them to be proactive and contribute to the planning process.
“The residents must know what they want and what GCC ought to do. The mantra, ‘nyika inovakwa nevene vayo’, is expected to guide the planning exercise as you strive to come up with a comprehensive strategic plan that will drive the city’s development,” he said.
