Online Reporter
Johnsias Mutonhori, [email protected]
GOVERNMENT has commissioned a new administration block and four utility vehicles for Zibagwe Rural District Council (RDC), while 43 motorbikes have also been handed over to councillors in a move aimed at strengthening service delivery, improving mobility and enhancing community engagement across the district.
The four utility vehicles were procured for US$140 000, while the new office block is valued at more than US$27 500. The 43 motorbikes were purchased for US$60 000 from the council’s internally generated revenue.
The commissioning marks another milestone in the Second Republic’s drive to modernise local authorities and improve service delivery in line with the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) and Vision 2030.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, Midlands Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Owen Ncube, said the investments reflected President Mnangagwa’s vision of building responsive, accountable and well-equipped local authorities capable of delivering quality services to communities.
He commended Zibagwe RDC for implementing development projects that are transforming livelihoods across the district.
“I would like to commend Zibagwe RDC, guided by its mission to uplift the quality of life of the people of Zibagwe through the provision of coordinated quality services efficiently and sustainably,” said Minister Ncube.
He said the Second Republic continues to prioritise infrastructure development, devolution and improved public service delivery, with local authorities playing a central role in achieving an upper-middle-income economy by 2030.
Among the council’s notable achievements, Minister Ncube highlighted the construction of Marivale Bridge in Milsonia, rehabilitation of 105 boreholes, drilling of 14 new boreholes, installation of 12 street lights at Zhombe Business Centre, electrification of Doniani Clinic, construction of Sivuma Clinic and the Gwesela-Bhalimasvesve classroom block, which is now 90 percent complete.
The projects align with the Government’s policy of “leaving no one and no place behind” by extending critical infrastructure and public services to rural communities.
Minister Ncube also welcomed President Mnangagwa’s assent to Constitutional Amendment Act No. 3, saying it would provide continuity and policy certainty necessary to accelerate national development.
“Following the recent Presidential assent to Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3, I wish to assure the Zibagwe community and indeed the entire Midlands Province that the attainment of a prosperous and empowered upper-middle-income society ahead of 2030 is guaranteed under the astute leadership of His Excellency, President Emmerson Mnangagwa,” he said.
The minister said the new law reinforced investor confidence and would facilitate the completion of transformative development projects across the country.
Minister Ncube urged residents to support local authorities by paying rates and service charges to ensure councils have adequate resources to deliver essential services.
“Government supports efficient revenue collection by local authorities as the basis upon which quality, accessible and affordable services are provided to residents on time. Residents should, in turn, pay their bills or enter into payment plans whenever they encounter financial difficulties,” he said.
Minister Ncube challenged councils to remain focused on their constitutional mandate while adhering to principles of transparency, accountability and sound corporate governance.
“I therefore urge local authorities to be results-oriented and uphold their roles as primary drivers of essential services by adhering to the values of accountability, transparency and consistency as they discharge their mandates, including investment promotion, infrastructure development, housing and community services, public health and environmental management, among others,” said Minister Ncube.
The minister also encouraged local authorities to embrace digital technologies to improve accountability and citizen participation.
He said the Citizen Engagement Scorecard, recently launched by President Mnangagwa, provides residents with an electronic platform to assess service delivery, identify gaps and submit real-time feedback, in line with the NDS2 Science, Technology, Digital Innovation and Human Capital Development pillar.
