Zvishavane gets fire tender, utility cars

ZVISHAVANE Town Council got a major boost from Government when it took delivery of a fire tender procured by the Second Republic.

The vehicle is among a consignment that the Government bought on behalf of the country’s 92 local authorities using part of 2021 devolution funds.

The fire tenders deal was secured by Government from Belarus and is set to improve national safety as a number of local authorities have been running with depleted fleets or no fire tenders at all.

The council also acquired four utility vehicles which were bought using devolution funds as the local authority moves to improve service delivery.

The development has brought relief to residents of the mining town some of whom lost property due to lack of fire-fighting equipment.

The fire tender and the service vehicles were commissioned by the Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Owen Ncube on Tuesday.

Residents commended the Government for availing devolution funds that are being used to implement people-centred projects.

“We commend the Second Republic for releasing funds because they are helping us to achieve Vision 2030. In the event of a fire outbreak, it is now easy for fire fighters to attend to it and save lives and property,” said Mr Felix Nyoni.

Mrs Agatha Sibanda said the delivery of the fire tender is a positive development.

“Last month a building in our town was razed down by fire due to a lack of such equipment. This is a commendable initiative by the Government and the council,” she said.

Acting town secretary, Mr Allan Chaparadza, lauded the Government for availing devolution funds which the local authority used to purchase the fire tender.

“As Zvishavane Town Council, we are grateful to the Government for giving us the equipment.

“Before the handover of this equipment, we had several challenges, but now I can assure you that all those challenges are now a thing of the past,” he said.

Mr Chaparadza said through devolution funds, the local authority implemented many life-changing projects in the town.

Minister Ncube said the Second Republic under President Mnangagwa has been pushing for devolution funds in all local authorities so that no one and no place is left behind.

“This indicates the commitment of the Second Republic to improve the welfare and well-being of its residents. The Government this year has increased the allocation of devolution funds in a move meant to promote and accelerate equitable development in various communities,” he said.

Minister Ncube assured residents that the Government will do everything in its capacity to help local authorities achieve their set goals to improve service delivery.

The devolution programme has seen the local authority embarking on several developmental programmes that include the Mandava Urban Renewal Project, rehabilitation of Mabhula sewer treatment plant and Eastlea piped water scheme.