Masvingo fire tenders commissioned

MASVINGO City Council got a major boost from Government when it took delivery of three fire tenders, two tipper trucks, a refuse compactor and five service vehicles to help boost service delivery and improve the local authority’s response to fires and other disasters.

The three fire tenders, procured by the Second Republic on behalf of the country’s 92 local authorities using part of their 2021 devolution funds, will assist in combating fire accidents.

Speaking during the handover and commissioning of the equipment, Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Ezra Chadzamira hailed the delivery of the tenders, saying they will go a long way in addressing challenges faced by the city in its endeavour to protect lives and property.

He commended Masvingo City Council for procuring the equipment, which will improve service delivery.

Minister Chadzamira said the achievement by the local authority is testimony to the city’s commitment to driving the nation towards attaining Vision 2030.

“This event represents a significant milestone in the progress of Masvingo City under the visionary leadership of His Excellency, President Cde ED Mnangagwa. As we strive to achieve our collective goal of becoming a prosperous and upper-middle-income society by 2030, this commissioning ceremony symbolises the unwavering commitment of the Second Republic to leave no one and no place behind,” he said.

“Masvingo City too, is an integral part of this transformative journey.”

Masvingo has been operating with only two fire tenders.

Minister Chadzamira said the trucks will go a long way in enhancing the response to combating fire accidents and ensuring safety for the residents.

He said other service delivery vehicles are critical in enhancing service delivery in the city.

“The additional new equipment should improve management of disasters, service provision, and infrastructure development. The three new fire tender trucks will significantly enhance disaster management response capabilities in and around the city,” said Minister Chadzamira.

“I implore the city authorities to utilise these resources with utmost care to improve the quality of service delivery and meet the expectations of our residents. Furthermore, the procurement of two tipper trucks, an iron roller, and five service vehicles will contribute to the improvement of our city’s road infrastructure and enhance mobility for our dedicated staff, ultimately leading to better service delivery.”

Masvingo town clerk Mr Edward Mukaratirwa said the service vehicles were also procured through devolution funds, Zinara grants and the council’s internal resources.

“As Masvingo, we were allocated three fire tenders and we are also among the first beneficiary local authorities having received those three with a total value of US$1 395 000. Among the fleet to be commissioned are two tippers that are 15 cubic metres each, which were procured using devolution fund and Zinara allocations,” he said.

“Using council funds and resources, a roller for use at the landfill and road construction and maintenance was bought at the value of US$109 250, a refuse truck worth US$179 141,15, two single cabbed vehicles, valued at US$76 840 and three Toyota vehicles for US$42 300.” —@NyikaLingani