Service delivery boost for Gwanda: New council vehicles & sewer pumps

GWANDA Municipality has commissioned five vehicles and four sewer pumps in a major boost to service delivery, as the local authority moves to tackle persistent infrastructure challenges and support the town’s growing population.

The commissioning comes against the backdrop of frequent sewer pipe bursts in the Matabeleland South provincial capital, largely attributed to mounting pressure on ageing infrastructure caused by rapid population growth and continued urban expansion.

Speaking during the commissioning ceremony on Thursday, Gwanda mayor Alderman Thulani Moyo said the acquisition marked a significant step in strengthening council departments to deliver efficient and reliable services.

“I am very much excited by this achievement because it shows that we have the potential to do more and attain the highest service delivery standards. We cannot achieve National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) and Vision 2030 if our departments are not adequately capacitated,” said Alderman Moyo.

He emphasised that providing council workers with proper tools was essential for accountability and improved performance.

“Without the necessary tools, you cannot hold anyone accountable. What we are doing now is making sure that all our workers are properly capacitated to serve the residents,” he said.

Alderman Moyo said the development was in line with the municipality’s broader goal of transforming Gwanda into a modern city under Vision 2030. He also commended residents and the local mining community for their support and patience, noting that recent progress would not have been possible without public co-operation.

“Last year, we acquired earth-moving equipment, and this year we are focusing on service delivery vehicles. These vehicles are for the residents, not for us. We are working for the people, and we must demonstrate that we are capable of serving them at all times. I want to thank residents for believing in us. Your money is in safe hands, and if you continue paying your bills, we will continue to deliver,” he said.

Gwanda town clerk Mrs Priscilla Nkala said the newly commissioned vehicles would significantly improve the municipality’s response time to service delivery challenges, particularly water and sewer pipe bursts.

“We started on a good note, just as 2025 was good to us in terms of procurement. These vehicles are not procurement tools but operational tools that enable us to move efficiently, monitor our environment and respond quickly to issues on the ground,” she said.

Mrs Nkala added that the vehicles would also enhance the effectiveness of the municipal police in enforcing by-laws and managing vending activities within the central business district.

“For our municipal police to deliver efficient services and monitor vending activities, they need mobility. This equipment empowers our employees and allows us to attend to water and sewer pipe bursts timeously,” she said.

The acquisition of the vehicles and sewer pumps is expected to reduce service interruptions and improve the quality of life for Gwanda residents as the town continues to grow.