Chronicle Editor
Sione Amidu, Gwanda Correspondent
GWANDA Town last week took delivery of solar-powered street lights that were donated by the Miners for Economic Development (Miners4ED), in a development that will enhance safety and security in residential areas and public spaces.
The donation came at a time when the local authority has been calling on various partners to help alleviate an ongoing darkness faced in the Matabeleland South provincial capital. Miners4ED provincial secretary-general, Ms Priscilla Masuku said the donation was in response to concerns that lack of lighting was fuelling crime where residents were becoming victims of mugging.
“The reason for the donation is to upgrade the town to become a smart one in terms of lighting. The darkness in the town was a cause for concern as it was fuelling crime. The town was dark and as an association that is part of the community, we saw it fit to assist and improve the safety of residents. The association will continue donating and helping the town, we promise to try our best and share the little that we have with the local authority.”
Speaking at the donation, Gwanda Mayor Councillor Thulani Moyo expressed gratitude to the kind and charitable gesture by the association.
“We are grateful for the donations we have received. This will go a long way in improving our status and alleviating crime in the town. This has opened doors for many donations from well-wishers to come through so that we make our town environs safe for everyone,” he said.
He thanked the association for being people-centred and development oriented as it has taken a step towards improving the town’s status.
The Mayor said the town was on a recovery path and this was all possible through the new dispensation.
“Most areas will be dark at night and crime is rampant during that time, with this donation, the whole Central Business District (CBD) streets will have streetlights installed and each pole with a refuse bin. The developmental work being carried out by the association is welcome and we urge others to follow suit and help us uplift the town.”
A vendor, Mr Jabulani Mpofu said residents were happy in the manner in which their concerns were addressed.
“Now we know that we will never live and operate in a dark town, we are happy in the manner in which our concerns are attended to. The darkness in the town was fuelling crime and as vendors, we were no longer safe to operate and walk during the night.
“We are very happy about the donation and may the association continue doing great things for this town. They have led by example, other stakeholders and associations will follow suit.”
The handover ceremony, held at the Mayor’s office, was attended by members of Miners4ED and councillors.
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