Online Reporter
Peter Matika
ZVISHAVANE is undergoing a remarkable transformation, with major infrastructure projects, improved public services and ambitious development plans positioning the mining town for sustained growth and improved quality of life for residents.
The Zvishavane Town Council has embarked on a wide range of initiatives aimed at enhancing service delivery, expanding social amenities and preparing the town for increasing population growth and economic activity.
One of the most visible developments is the upgrading of the town’s public transport facilities.
New bus and waiting sheds have been constructed, while paving works at the main rank have significantly improved convenience, safety and the overall appearance of the transport hub.
The upgrades have brought relief to commuters who previously had limited shelter from harsh weather conditions.
Expanding educational infrastructure
In response to growing demand for learning facilities, the council has prioritised the construction of new educational infrastructure.
A major milestone has been the establishment of Highlands Primary School, which opened in January as a satellite school to address classroom shortages and reduce travelling distances for learners.
To date, two classroom blocks and ablution facilities have been completed. Tenders have already been floated for the construction of a third classroom block and an administration block as the school continues to expand.
The project is expected to ease pressure on existing schools while providing quality education closer to residential communities.
Healthcare services set for major boost
Access to healthcare is also receiving significant attention through the construction of a new clinic in Makwasha Lot 2.
The clinic’s superstructure has already been completed and inspections by the Ministry of Health and Child Care have been conducted. Council is currently implementing recommendations made during the inspection process.
Authorities expect the facility to become operational by the end of June, bringing healthcare services closer to thousands of residents and reducing pressure on existing medical institutions.
Improved refuse collection
The town’s waste management capacity has been strengthened through the procurement of two new refuse compactors.
The additional vehicles have increased the council’s fleet to four refuse compactors, resulting in improved refuse collection services across the town.
The development comes at a crucial time as the council prepares to assume responsibility for servicing former mine residential areas, including Kandodo and Birthday, where demand for municipal services continues to grow.
Strengthening emergency services
Public safety remains a key focus area for the local authority.
Council has acquired an additional fire tender, bringing the total number of fire-fighting vehicles to three. The expanded fleet is expected to improve emergency response times and enhance the town’s capacity to deal with fire-related incidents.
Efforts to strengthen emergency medical services are also underway, with a new ambulance expected to arrive in June. The acquisition is expected to improve patient transportation and emergency healthcare delivery throughout the district.
Road Rehabilitation and sewer upgrades
As part of efforts to improve road infrastructure, council is earmarking the procurement of a water bowser for road compaction works.
The equipment is expected to support ongoing road maintenance and rehabilitation programmes across the town.
Meanwhile, extensive sewer infrastructure upgrades are underway, particularly in Mandava suburb where rapid population growth has placed increasing pressure on existing systems.
The project involves replacing smaller sewer pipes with larger ones capable of handling increased demand. Similar upgrades are planned for Lot 4 and Izayi Park once works in Mandava are completed.
Addressing growing water demand
With new suburbs emerging and the population steadily increasing, the council is investing heavily in water infrastructure.
Two raw water pumps are expected to be procured by the end of June. Once installed, the pumps will increase the town’s pumping capacity from the current 22 megalitres per day to 28 megalitres daily.
Additional interventions include the drilling of boreholes in Izayi Park Phase 5 to supplement water supplies.
The boreholes will be integrated into the mainstream water reticulation system, ensuring that residents receive water directly at household level.
Housing and economic empowerment
Housing delivery remains central to Zvishavane’s growth agenda.
Council has partnered with Runde Rural District Council and FBC Bank on the Four Miles Housing Scheme, with servicing works already undertaken by the financial institution.
The initiative is expected to unlock new residential opportunities while supporting orderly urban expansion.
In addition, 60 Small to Medium Enterprise industrial stands have been opened, creating opportunities for entrepreneurship, investment and job creation.
Ambitious future plans
Looking ahead, the council has outlined several ambitious projects aimed at meeting rising demand for housing and commercial space.
Plans are in place for the development of 1 000 medium-density residential stands in the Mtonjeni area, alongside 120 low-density stands.
The housing programme comes against the backdrop of a waiting list of approximately 4 000 applicants seeking residential stands. A portion of the planned stands will be reserved for liberation war veterans. Council is finalising modalities to ensure servicing work commences before the end of the year.
Vision for a modern town
Zvishavane’s long-term vision is captured in its proposed master plan, which is awaiting Government approval.
Among the key proposals are the upgrading of the existing aerodrome into a fully-fledged airport, construction of a tertiary institution, unlocking additional land for commercial development and the establishment of two hotels to support tourism and business activities.
These developments are expected to strengthen Zvishavane’s position as one of Zimbabwe’s fastest-growing urban centres, while creating opportunities for investment, employment and improved living standards for residents.
As infrastructure projects continue to take shape and new developments gather momentum, Zvishavane is steadily building the foundations for a modern, inclusive and economically vibrant future.
