Urban councils chip in

Rumbidzayi Zinyuke Manicaland Bureau
THE Urban Councils Association of Zimbabwe has joined Government’s efforts to speedily rehabilitate roads that were affected by Cyclone Idai in Chimanimani and Chipinge.

The local authorities expect to raise a total of $300 000 as well as avail equipment that will be used for the projects.

In an interview, Town Clerks’ Forum chairperson Dr George Makunde said the councils had already moved equipment to Chipinge where work on a 15km stretch from Jopa to Chipinge town will commence soon.

“As Urban Councils Association, we sat down with our mayors and town clerks around the country and we agreed to come up with a project for road rehabilitation to create access to the roads which were damaged. We are keen to help improve accessibility in order for people to receive medical, food and water supplies as soon as possible.

“We managed to put together some pieces of equipment. So far we have 10 tipper trucks, three front end loaders, a grader and two water bowsers, which are supposed to camp in Chipinge for when we are assigned projects. We have already been assigned a 15km stretch by the Minister of Transport and once all the equipment is on the ground, work will commence,” he said.

Cyclone Idai, which brought flood water and destruction to areas of Mozambique, Malawi, and Zimbabwe destroyed numerous roads, almost all major bridges, power and communication infrastructure in Chimanimani and Chipinge districts.

Dr Makunde could not confirm the amount that has so far been raised by councils but said several local authorities had already made deposits into the fund.

He said the money would be used to maintain the equipment, buy fuel and take care of the personnel who will be operating the equipment.

“Each local authority has been requested to contribute to a dedicated fund for the projects which we will be assigned. We have classified them into four categories and they will contribute according to those categories,” he said.

He said Harare city council would contribute $30 000 while Bulawayo’s contribution was $20 000. Smaller cities like Mutare, Masvingo and others would contribute $15 000 each, ten municipalities are expected to pay $10 000 while town councils and boards will pay $5 000 each.

“We wish to raise about $300 000 for the upkeep of our equipment and personnel that will be on the ground. We will also purchase our own fuel for the equipment. If there are any additional requirements, we will work them out as we progress but our wish is to assist in making sure areas that are not accessible are cleared so that some provisions reach the communities,” he added.