Conrad Mupesa
Mashonaland West Bureau
CHINHOYI Municipality’s ambition to attain city status by 2030 has received a major boost following the acquisition of service delivery equipment worth US$443 670 using funds released by the central government under the devolution programme.
The equipment, which includes refuse compactors, tipper trailers, tractors and trucks, is expected to strengthen the local authority’s capacity to provide essential services as it works towards meeting the requirements for city status.
Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Marian Chombo commissioned the equipment at the municipality’s head offices on Friday.
The acquisition was made possible by the release of US$750 000 in devolution funds through the central government, with the municipality spending US$443 670 on the equipment.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, Minister Chombo said the funds had been secured through collaboration between the municipality, the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, and her office.
“Together with the Municipality of Chinhoyi, the Ministry of Local Government and my office, we managed to unlock devolution funds to implement projects as budgeted. I am delighted today to say that US$750 000 was released from the Ministry of Finance,” she said.
Among the equipment purchased are two UD refuse compactors worth US$284 270, three tipper trailers worth US$48 000, two tractors valued at US$38 600 and two single-cab trucks worth US$72 800.
Chinhoyi Town Clerk, Mr Biriat Tasarira, said the funding had come at a critical time when the local authority was struggling to mobilise sufficient resources to acquire equipment needed to improve service delivery.
“We are currently operating with three refuse compactors, and these have not been enough for us,” he said.
“On top of that, we have been leasing other equipment, which was draining the council’s already stretched budget.”
Mr Tasarira said the new equipment would improve the municipality’s operational capacity, reduce its reliance on hired machinery and enable it to respond more effectively to residents’ needs.
He added that improved service delivery would also help build residents’ confidence in the local authority, potentially supporting better revenue collection.
