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Nokuthula Dube
THE Harare City Council and Chitungwiza Municipality are “lagging behind” in developing their masterplans and risk missing next week’s deadline for submitting their long-term developmental blueprints to the Government, a Cabinet minister has said.
Last year, President Mnangagwa ordered all local authorities to develop long-term development blueprints to guide urban renewal and improve service delivery.
The deadline for submitting these masterplans is June 30. Speaking during a recent familiarisation tour of the Victoria Falls Urban Renewal Programme, Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe expressed satisfaction with the progress made by most local authorities.
He, however, raised concern regarding Harare and Chitungwiza.
“I am happy to report that the majority of our local authorities are meeting the deadline,” he said.
“We are here in Victoria Falls; they had a meeting yesterday (Wednesday) to finalise on the masterplan and the valuation rolls, which they have already finished.
“The majority of the local authorities are going to be meeting the June 30 deadline. It has, however, emerged that Harare and Chitungwiza are lagging behind.”
Minister Garwe expressed concern over the slow progress made by the two local authorities.
“The only councils facing significant challenges seem to be Harare and Chitungwiza,” he said.
“These challenges appear to stem from a lack of commitment, incompetence or inefficiency.
“The Government will be taking a different approach to address the situation in Harare and Chitungwiza.”
Harare has spent nearly US$3 million in developing its master plan.
In contrast, the City of Victoria Falls reported significant progress in crafting its masterplan.
Victoria Falls town clerk Mr Ronnie Dube said: “Our masterplan is nearly complete.
“We finalised the written statement yesterday (Wednesday), and it received overwhelming support from residents and stakeholders. Now, we just need council approval.”
Online Reporter