Online Reporter
Patrick Chitumba, Midlands Bureau
GWERU City Council (GCC) has unveiled ambitious plans to implement two major infrastructure projects valued at over ZWG 100 million next year, as part of its intensified efforts to improve water supply, sanitation, and solid waste management in the Midlands provincial capital.
The projects — rehabilitation of the water network and development of a new landfill site — are central to the council’s 2026 capital budget, which is focused on enhancing service delivery and safeguarding public health.
In an interview, Gweru mayor Councillor Martin Chivhoko emphasised the council’s commitment to long-term infrastructure renewal rather than temporary fixes.
“For 2026, our key capital projects include the rehabilitation of the water network — covering the Cambridgeshire pond, trickling filters and Gwenhoro Dam pump replacements — at a cost of ZWG54 million,” he said.
The rehabilitation will be executed in phases, encompassing civil works, mechanical upgrades and automation, in line with available funding and to ensure uninterrupted service delivery.
On the issue of waste management, Clr Chivhoko revealed that ZWG60 million has been allocated for the new landfill site project. The funding will cover site development, engineering controls and basic waste processing infrastructure.
“Given the environmental and logistical requirements, the project will be implemented in phases, beginning with compliant disposal facilities and fencing. Both projects have been costed realistically and will be guided by strict procurement controls and public-private partnerships to ensure value for money,” he said.
The new landfill, to be located along the Gweru-Matobo Road near the Cambridgeshire Sewer Treatment Plant, will replace the McFadden dumpsite, which has long posed serious health and environmental risks to residents of Woodlands Phase 2. Situated just 10 kilometres southwest of the city centre, the current dumpsite has been linked to noxious odours, infestations of flies and rodents and adverse effects on approximately 15 000 households.
“This new landfill will bring long-awaited relief to affected communities while aligning the city’s waste management system with modern environmental standards,” said the mayor.
Clr Chivhoko noted that the council had deliberately avoided steep tariff increases in its 2026 budget to preserve household affordability while maintaining essential services. He said the city would introduce reduced tariffs for low-income households, flexible payment plans for those in arrears, and targeted subsidies for vulnerable groups such as the elderly and persons with disabilities.
“We are working through the social services desk and engaging community-based organisations to ensure the most vulnerable residents receive adequate support,” he said.
The mayor also highlighted GCC’s investment in e-billing, prepaid metering, and improved customer service systems to simplify payments and reduce the risk of non-compliance. Regarding road infrastructure, he said the council had allocated ZWG 103 million for overlays in the central business district and thermoplastic pavement marking along key corridors.
“We are targeting Munhuruka surfacing, about 3km of bitumen tarmac and seal, as well as drainage lining and culverts to prevent washouts.
“We’ve also budgeted for equipment such as graders, pavers and rollers, to support structured rehabilitation works along Randolph and Hamutyinei roads,” said Clr Chivhoko.
He said that the city would simultaneously accelerate its water-loss reduction programme, which includes leak detection, pipe replacement and pressure management, to improve water reliability and reduce non-revenue water losses.
The 2026 budget, he said, was shaped through extensive consultations involving ward-level meetings and stakeholder workshops, ensuring transparency and citizen participation.
“This budget is about practical renewal and inclusion. Through a one-off transparent land sale, the city has avoided harsh tariff shocks while safeguarding critical investments in water, roads, health and job creation,” he said.
