Rutendo Nyeve, Zimpapers Reporter
THE City of Victoria Falls has made progress in improving service delivery through investments in water infrastructure, road rehabilitation, sanitation and public facilities, while working with the private sector to enhance the resort town’s appeal as an international tourism destination.
The developments, which include the completion and commissioning of the Mkhosana water reservoirs, are part of Council’s efforts to meet Minimum Service Delivery Standards and national development priorities.
Speaking at a council function on Friday, Victoria Falls Mayor Councillor Prince Thuso Moyo said the investments were improving residents’ quality of life, supporting businesses and strengthening the city’s competitiveness as a tourism destination.
“Council has invested in water infrastructure, including the Mkhosana reservoirs, road rehabilitation, sanitation, public facilities and city beautification. These investments improve residents’ quality of life, support businesses and strengthen Victoria Falls’ competitiveness as an international tourism destination,” he said.
Cllr Moyo said the city’s development programmes were guided by its Strategic Plan, Minimum Service Delivery Standards and national policies, particularly the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) and Vision 2030.
He said Council was also implementing the Sustainable Development Goals, with a focus on clean water and sanitation, economic growth, infrastructure development, sustainable communities and climate action.
“Our responsibility is to ensure that development contributes to national progress while protecting our natural environment,” he said.
The Mayor urged residents to meet their financial obligations, saying Council depended on revenue from rates, water bills and other municipal charges to provide services.
He also called on residents to participate in budget consultations, public meetings and other platforms where they can contribute to Council decisions.
Cllr Moyo said the ongoing Operation Chenesa was aimed at restoring order, promoting cleanliness and ensuring that public spaces reflected the standards expected of an international tourism destination.
He said Council was not seeking to destroy people’s property or livelihoods but wanted to regularise activities and ensure compliance with municipal regulations.
However, he warned that those who continued operating illegal structures in disregard of lawful requirements would face enforcement action, including the removal of such structures.
Town Clerk Mr Ronnie Dube said Council’s development programme was anchored on the Minimum Service Delivery Standards and the 2026–2030 Strategic Plan.
“Council’s focus and development programme is guided by the Minimum Service Delivery Standards and our 2026–2030 Strategic Plan, ensuring that residents receive reliable water, improved sanitation, accessible roads, safe public spaces, efficient administration and quality social services,” he said.
Mr Dube said the completion of the Mkhosana reservoirs, improvements to water infrastructure, road rehabilitation, sanitation initiatives and development of public facilities were among the notable milestones.
He said Council was also working with private-sector partners on city beautification, environmental protection and waste management.
Mr Dube said more work remained to be done, with Council committed to aligning its resources, programmes and partnerships with the service delivery needs identified in its Strategic Plan.
He said the city’s development agenda was in line with President Mnangagwa’s Call to Action for local authorities to prioritise service delivery, improve the living environment and work towards a clean, safe and prosperous Zimbabwe.
“As we also observe the First Friday National Clean-Up Day today, we reaffirm that the development of Victoria Falls must be accompanied by cleanliness, responsible waste management, environmental stewardship and active participation by residents and the business fraternity,” he said.
