Online Reporter
Patrick Chitumba in Gokwe
GOVERNMENT has commissioned new equipment and service vehicles for Gokwe South Rural District Council, strengthening the local authority’s capacity to improve service delivery, accelerate infrastructure development and provide an enabling environment that is now attracting major private investors.
The equipment, a devolution-funded front-end loader valued at US$88,000 and two service vehicles procured at a cost of US$34,500 was commissioned by the Minister of State for Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution Owen Ncube, in Gokwe on Friday.
The commissioning comes as the district is witnessing a US$7,9 million private sector-led infrastructure boom, with the Mining Industry Pension Fund developing a US$4,7 million complex and Simbisa Brands investing US$3,2 million at Gokwe Centre, previously ranked as one of the most underserved communities in the country.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Minister Ncube said the procurement of the equipment demonstrates the Second Republic’s commitment to improved service delivery under the “Call to Action: No Compromise to Service Delivery” blueprint.
“Today we are gathered for the commissioning of a devolution-funded front-end loader valued at US$88,000 and two service vehicles procured by Gokwe South Rural District Council at a cost of US$34,500. This event is a testament to the Second Republic, under the leadership of President Mnangagwa’s commitment towards improved service delivery,” he said.
Minister Ncube said the equipment will accelerate efficient and effective service delivery for the residents.
“I therefore implore residents and corporates to honour their bills as service delivery depends on robust revenue collection,” he said.
Minister Ncube commended the local authority for entrenching the New Dispensation’s mantra, Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo, as the machinery marks yet another important milestone in line with the devolution and decentralisation agenda.
“Local authorities remain vital cogs in driving the transformation of community livelihoods and growing our GDP; hence, it is no longer business as usual. I urge local authorities to focus on road rehabilitation and address issues of potholes, drainage systems, refuse collection, water reticulation and the provision of workspaces for SMEs and vendors,” he said.
Meanwhile, Minister Ncube toured the MIPF and Simbisa Brands infrastructure developments, saying the projects align with the National Development Strategy 2 pillars on Inclusive Economic Growth and Structural
Transformation, and Infrastructure Development and Housing.
“The Midlands Province commends the New Dispensation for opening up the economy, implementing the Devolution and Decentralisation Agenda which empowers communities and local authorities to determine and invigorate provincial GDP growth,” said Minister Ncube.
He said the Midlands applauds MIPF and Simbisa Brands for leading an indelible footprint in the real estate sector, in line with the mantra of leaving no one and no place behind.
“This modern infrastructure generates revenue for the local authority, employment for communities, promotes the availability of quality and affordable goods and services, and stimulates beautification and infrastructure expansion along the retail value chain,” he said.
Minister Ncube said the developments form part of broader tangible signature projects rolled out through public — private partnerships under the Second Republic, which include the Zhong Jin International Hotel in Redcliff,
Midlands Park Housing Project in Zvishavane, and rural industrialsation through investments such as the Dinson Iron and Steel Plant in Manhize.
Gokwe South RDC Chief Executive Officer, Mr Jabulani Gute, said the acquisition would significantly improve the council’s operational capacity.
“As a council, we identified a gap in terms of equipment, which has made it difficult for us to fulfil our obligations in service delivery. The front-end loader will assist us in carrying out infra-structure development projects, and we remain committed to improving the standard of living for our communities,” he said.
