Chronicle Editor
Patrick Chitumba, [email protected]
THE Gweru City Council (GCC) has commenced routine road maintenance after receiving ZWG5 million from the Zimbabwe National Road Administration (Zinara).
Mayor, Councillor Martin Chivhoko, revealed this during an ordinary council meeting Town House.
He also said the council was installing 40 street lights in selected areas, which were donated by its partners in line with the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS 1).
Under the Infrastructure, Utilities and Digital Economy cluster, Zimbabwe’s economic blueprint, the NDS 1 prioritises the completion of road rehabilitation projects.
The main aspirations of NDS1 include infrastructural development as a key enabler in attaining Vision 2030.
“Our engineering team has been working tirelessly to clear drainage systems in the CBD and problem areas, ensuring we minimise the risk of flooding,” he said.
“This effort is crucial as we’ve seen in the past how devastating floods can be to our community.
“In addition to drainage clearing, we are also installing 40 donated street lights in the CBD, improving visibility and safety for all. Our roads are being patched, and we have received ZWG5 million from Zinara to support this initiative. These projects demonstrate our commitment to creating a safer, more accessible Gweru,” he said.
Clr Chivhoko said the water management system is also being upgraded, adding they have increased to over 40 mega litres per day in a bid to supply all areas with water.
“We increased pumping volumes and are working on rehabilitating two high-lift pumps. The KMP pump and Nashville pump are now operational, and we have completed rehabilitation work at Mudavanhu while Ascot Munemo is also receiving attention,” he said.
Clr Chivhoko said the local authority was aware of the city’s growth and the need to balance with environmental issues.
“That is why we are re-organising Mtapa Trading Market, compacting gravel to create a decent trading space. Our City Greening initiative is resuscitating the civic garden and expanding to road corridors, including Harare Road, Robert Mugabe Way and Fairmile Traffic Circle,” he said.
On housing, Clr Chivhoko said the council is converting Mtapa Housing Units to home-ownership, with 212 tenants set to benefit.
The programme, he said, empowers residents, fostering community stability.
“I am happy to announce that we have reduced the tariffs for the business community and industrialists by 50 percent. We are encouraging business hence the reduction. Transparency and accountability are essential in our governance,” he said.
“We are committed to urban forestry and 200 trees were planted at Fairmile open space on October 23. Our goal is to green road corridors, including Mvuma and Shurugwi roads,” he said.
Clr Chivhoko said maintenance is ongoing at all four council cemeteries, ensuring dignity for the departed, adding that Ascot Stadium, the home of football, is now functional and approved for Premier Soccer League matches.
“Our Health Department is on high alert regarding the Mpox outbreak and has attended training to strengthen our response. We encourage residents to participate in free breast cancer screening programmes,” he said.
“However, challenges remain. Solid waste management services have been affected by frequent breakdowns of the refuse removal fleet. We are working double shifts to maintain collection schedules.”
The mayor also urged residents to clear stagnant water points and empty water collection objects to prevent mosquito breeding.
He noted that in October, the Department of Health provided a free breast cancer screening programme in partnership with the private sector.
Online Reporter