Gweru City Council starts to pay Government debt

Locadia Mavhudzi, Midlands Correspondent

Gweru City Council has started honouring its debt to the Government having so far paid US$265 000 of the US$400 000 advanced to the local authority to buy four water pumps for the Gwenhoro water treatment plant.

Addressing a full council meeting on Monday evening, Gweru Mayor Councillor Josiah Makombe said they have started honouring the debt in line with cordial relations that now exist between council and Government. “We have managed to pay back the Government loan to the tune of US$265 000 and we will continue to pay back the loan in staggered amounts until we complete it. This will enable us to go back to seek financial support from Government in time of need as we still have a long way to go in addressing water challenges,” he said.

Clr Makombe said while the council is experiencing financial challenges, the obligation to pay back Government money will unveil more opportunities as Government gains trust in the city council.

Government intervened in sourcing four water pumps for the local authority at a cost of US$400 000, in the process saving the local authority from paying an outrageous US$6 million it had been quoted for the same product.

Meanwhile, Clr Makombe highlighted the need to clear all storm drains around the central business district to enable a smooth drainage of rain water.

“The engineering department must now prioritise drainage maintenance as we are now in the rainy season. We must avoid a situation of water blockages through clearing of all storm drains,” he said.