shloboe boe
Patrick Chitumba, patrick.chitumba@chronicle.co.zw
GWERU City Council (GCC) made significant strides in improving service delivery, water supply, housing and infrastructure in 2024, the city’s mayor, Councillor Martin Chivhoko has said.
In his end-of-year address, Clr Chivhoko detailed the city’s achievements and outlined ambitious plans for 2025.
A major milestone in 2024 was the upgrade of Gweru’s water supply system, which included the procurement of low-lift pumps for the Amapongokwe Dam.
“This investment led to a significant increase in raw water production for the Gwenhoro Water Treatment Plant, raising the city’s treated water pumping capacity from 35 megalitres to 62 megalitres,” said Clr Chivhoko.
The increased water supply has eased water rationing, with some areas now receiving water for five to six days a week.
“With a more reliable water supply, residents can access clean water for drinking, cooking and other domestic uses. This has improved the overall health and well-being of residents, particularly children and the elderly, who are most vulnerable to water-borne diseases,” said Clr Chivhoko.
The city also made strides in enhancing service delivery by securing vehicles for various departments.
“This investment has enabled the city to provide better services to residents, including improved waste management and infrastructure maintenance,” said Clr Chivhoko.
Significant progress was made in housing development, with 700 stands in Mkoba 21 now ready for construction.
“This development will not only reduce the city’s housing backlog but also create employment for those in the construction industry,” said Clr Chivhoko.
He said the revival of Go Beer Brewery, in partnership with Crest Street Industries, has created employment opportunities and boosted the local economy.
“We are celebrating the revival of Go Beer Brewery, which was made possible by the council’s decision to partner Crest Street Industries who have been in the brewing industry for a long time. This business is expected to improve the city’s revenue thereby enabling council to improve service delivery,” said Clr Chivhoko.
He said the revival of the brewery also benefitted other local companies that are now doing business with the brewery.
“For 2025, the city has outlined several exciting plans. One of the city’s top priorities is to increase the pumping capacity of Whitewaters Dam. This will enable the city to supply water to high-lying areas such as Ridgemont, Northgate, Hertfordshire, Harben Park and Athlone suburbs. The city has budgeted for this project and we are confident we will be able to mobilise the required resources,” he said.
Cllr Chivhoko said council also plans to invest in education, with two new primary schools expected to be constructed this year.
He said council also intends to relocate its dumpsite to a new landfill site along Matobo Road.
“This will help to improve the city’s waste management and reduce the risk of environmental pollution.
The new landfill site will be designed and managed in accordance with international best practices, ensuring that the city’s waste is disposed of in a safe and environmentally friendly manner,” he said.
Cllr Chivhoko said repairing street lights and traffic lights was also council’s top priority this year.
He said the street lights will help to reduce cases of residents being mugged at night while traffic lights will reduce accidents.
Cllr Chivhoko said the local authority also plans to open its Ivene Rank soon, which will help to decongest the TM commuter taxi rank.
Siphakeme .Mnindwa
