Online Reporter
Patrick Chitumba, [email protected]
VUNGU Rural District Council has acquired two service vehicles and a grader worth US$305 000 to enhance road maintenance and improve service delivery across the district.
The grader, valued at US$230 000, comes at a crucial time as the council prepares to roll out a comprehensive road rehabilitation programme following extensive damage caused by recent flooding.
The two service vehicles, purchased for about US$75 000, are expected to improve operational efficiency and strengthen the council’s capacity to supervise development projects.
Vungu RDC chief executive officer Alex Magura said the acquisition demonstrates the local authority’s commitment to improving infrastructure and service delivery.
“As Vungu Rural District Council, we have indeed procured two service vehicles and a grader valued at a total of US$305 000 to improve road maintenance and service delivery in the district,” he said.
Mr Magura said the grader was purchased through a partnership with Zimbabwe National Road Administration (Zinara).
He said the equipment would significantly reduce the council’s reliance on private contractors previously hired to carry out road maintenance works.
“Without our own grader, we used to hire private companies to service our roads. Now that we have this equipment, our priority is to ensure it is properly maintained and serviced so that it continues to benefit our communities,” said Mr Magura.
He expressed gratitude to Zinara for supporting the council’s infrastructure development initiatives, adding that more equipment was still needed.
Mr Magura said torrential rains and flooding had severely damaged the district’s road network, leaving many roads in poor condition.
“The situation is likely to worsen as the rainy season continues, necessitating significant resources to restore the damaged infrastructure. The council is gearing up to tackle the challenge, but the enormity of the task is daunting,” he said.
“Most of our roads have become almost impassable. A lot of resources are required for maintenance and reconstruction.”
Mr Magura said the council is yet to assess the full extent of the damage to the road network.
In addition to the grader, the council has also acquired two trucks using its own resources to improve operational efficiency and project supervision across the district.
The local authority has also procured 24 motorcycles for councillors under a Government-approved loan facility to enhance mobility, particularly in hard-to-reach areas.
“The acquisitions demonstrate the council’s commitment to improving infrastructure development, reducing operational costs and ensuring efficient service delivery for villagers and businesses throughout the district,” said Mr Magura.
