Tongogara RDC gets fire tenders

THE Second Republic continues demonstrating its commitment to strengthening local authorities, with Tongogara Rural District Council (RDC) receiving a fire tender under the Belarus facility.

The development is expected to enhance the local authority’s ability to effectively respond to fire incidents and other emergencies.

Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Owen Ncube officially commissioned the fire tender at the Tongogara RDC offices in Shurugwi District. The occasion also marked the commissioning of a 28-tonne tipper truck, purchased using council funds to improve service delivery within the district.

Speaking at the event, Minister Ncube hailed the Government’s unwavering support for local authorities, saying the provision of the fire tender represents a bold step by the Second Republic in capacitating rural councils to enhance service delivery.

“I am filled with great pride and joy as we witness the commissioning of the Tongogara RDC’s devolution-funded fire tender and the tipper truck procured through the council’s revenue. This milestone is part of the Government’s inclusive and people-centric roadmap towards attaining Vision 2030,” said Minister Ncube.

He noted that this initiative marks a historic moment, as it is the first time RDCs have received fire tenders, a crucial addition to their service delivery infrastructure. The new equipment will be instrumental in responding to emergencies such as fire outbreaks and road traffic accidents in Shurugwi and surrounding areas.

“The provision of this fire tender ensures that lives and property are safeguarded. It is now unacceptable for people to perish in road traffic accidents or lose property to fires when local authorities are being equipped with essential disaster response resources,” said Minister Ncube.

The minister has recently commissioned similar fire tenders for Redcliff Municipality and Vungu RDC. He reaffirmed that under the leadership of President Mnangagwa, the Second Republic remains dedicated to uplifting rural communities, guided by the mantra of leaving no one and no place behind in the pursuit of Vision 2030.

“Today’s event is also a testament to the success of the New Dispensation’s engagement and re-engagement policy. Through this initiative, 133 fire tenders from Belarus have been secured, alongside several rescue air ambulances from the Russian Federation, bolstering Zimbabwe’s civil protection efforts despite the illegal economic sanctions imposed on our country,” Minister Ncube said.

He commended the Government’s strategic policy direction, noting that the devolution and decentralisation agenda is central to improving the accessibility and affordability of essential services for communities. President Mnangagwa, during his recent engagement with Ministers of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, underscored the pivotal role they play in driving socio-economic development and achieving national economic growth targets.

“During his recent interface with Ministers of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution President Mnangagwa underscored the pivotal role we play in the national socio-economic development matrix and his desire to grow and leapfrog the economy, a development trajectory which underpins the mandate bestowed upon him under the Resolution number 1 for the attainment of a prosperous and empowered upper middle-income society by 2030,” said Minister Ncube.

He further noted that President Mnangagwa was unanimously endorsed at the 21st Zanu-PF National People’s Conference in Bulawayo last year to continue leading beyond 2028.

He urged all local authorities to align with the President’s “Call to Action: No Compromise to Service Delivery” blueprint to ensure efficient and effective governance.

“The recently concluded heritage training of councillors and local authority senior management in Gweru provides a practical, time-sensitive, and people-centred framework for local authorities to adopt. Councils must prioritise critical service delivery issues, including urban beautification, refuse collection, water and sewer reticulation, pothole filling, road servitude maintenance, cemetery management, and the establishment of designated vending sites,” he said.

The minister also encouraged councils to enhance operational efficiencies by adopting digital solutions such as e-billing systems, online service applications, and improved internal control mechanisms to facilitate the ease of doing business.

Tongogara RDC Chief Executive Officer, Engineer Liberty Ncube, expressed gratitude for Government’s support, acknowledging the positive impact the fire tender will have on emergency response capabilities.

“As Tongogara RDC, we are among the beneficiaries of the fire tenders procured by the Government, and we sincerely appreciate this gesture. This intervention will significantly enhance our capacity to respond to emergencies swiftly and effectively,” he said.

The commissioning of the fire tender and tipper truck underscores the Government’s continued commitment to equipping local authorities with the necessary tools to improve service delivery and ensure the safety and well-being of communities.