New mayor ignites service delivery hopes in Gwanda

Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]

GWANDA residents have expressed optimism about improved service delivery in the mining town following the election of  Zanu-PF Councillor, Cllr Thulani Moyo as mayor.

Cllr Moyo of Gwanda Municipality Ward 3, was last week elected mayor of the town after beating Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC)’s Ward 4 councillor Edgar Ncube. Ward 1 councillor Cllr Sithabiso Mpofu (Zanu PF) was elected as his deputy.

 

Speaking recently in Gwanda Vice President Kembo Mohadi lamented poor service delivery in urban councils which are largely being run by the opposition. 

VP Mohadi said the opposition-run urban councils are short-changing ratepayers by failing to deliver effective service delivery.

Cllr Moyo took over from Cllr Njabulo Siziba of CCC. He assumes the role of mayor at a time when residents were complaining about poor service delivery under the opposition-led council.

Gwanda Municipality is struggling to supply water, collect refuse, and maintain street lights and roads.

In interviews, residents said they were looking forward to an improved service delivery under the Zanu PF-led council.

 “We have been lagging behind in terms of development. For a long time, the town has been facing serious water challenges, especially in the low-density areas,” said a resident.

“At some point, the municipality constructed a five-megalitre reservoir which was supposed to end our water challenges. The reservoir has been completed but we are still experiencing water challenges.”

Mr Sam Banda, a local businessman, said he was hopeful that the new council would tackle the prevailing solid waste crisis in the mining town.

He urged the council to relocate its dumpsite which was condemned 11 years ago due to its proximity to homes. 

The local authority in 2015 constructed a compliance landfill with the assistance of World Vision. 

“We have been waiting for a long time for this dump site to be moved and I hope that under the new council leadership, it will finally happen. This dumpsite is a health hazard and it has cost me a lot of business,” said Mr Banda.

Ms Sharon Dube of Spitzkop North suburb said for years, they have endured sewer bursts due to a poor sewer reticulation system.

Ms Dube said there is also a need for the road network to be improved as some areas were not accessible.

Cllr Moyo promised to work towards addressing key service delivery challenges affecting residents. He urged his fellow councillors to put aside their political differences and focus on development.

“I would like to express my gratitude for this huge role that has been bestowed upon me. As the first citizen of the town, I will work tirelessly towards ensuring that there is improved service delivery in the town,” he said.

“My top priority is to improve water supply, sewer reticulation, street lighting and refuse collection. I will rope in various stakeholders to ensure improved service delivery in the town.