-as Gweru boosts service delivery fleet
MARTIN MAWAYA
GWERU-MIDLANDS Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Owen Ncube has urged the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works to expedite long delayed Master Plans, warning that bureaucratic inertia is slowing down development and crippling service delivery in local authorities.
Ncube made the remarks yesterday while commissioning two utility vehicles and two motorbikes worth US$61 400 at the Gweru City Council Town House.
The fleet, purchased through internally generated funds, is part of the city’s drive to improve operational efficiency at a time residents continue to complain about inconsistent service delivery.
Council has also hired two refuse compactors from government to boost waste collection in the city.
Ncube said the continued delay in approving Master Plans, key development blueprints that guide land use, infrastructure projects and investment was undermining councils’ ability to deliver.
“Local authorities are ready to implement development programmes, but they can only move at the required pace if Master Plans are released on time,” he said. “These documents are critical for speeding up infrastructure development and ensuring residents receive quality services.”
He said the procurement of the vehicles was in line with Government’s Vision 2030 agenda and it’s Call to Action: No Compromise to Service Delivery directive, which has put councils under pressure to improve performance.
Ncube commended Gweru City Council for aligning itself with national priorities, saying improved mobility would strengthen productivity across departments.
“These vehicles reflect a people centred and results oriented approach. I understand two refuse compactors are already en route from Harare, which will further bolster waste management,” he said.
He, however, urged residents to pay their rates, noting that the city’s ability to deliver services depended heavily on stable revenue inflows.
“Efficient revenue collection is the backbone of quality, accessible and affordable services,” he said. “Ratepayers must play their part.”
Gweru Mayor, Councillor Martin Chivhoko, said the new vehicles were a significant investment toward improving service delivery in a city battling ageing infrastructure and limited resources.
“These vehicles will greatly enhance our emergency response and strengthen essential services. They support our efforts to keep the city clean, safe and thriving,” he said.
Chivhoko added that the investment demonstrated council’s commitment to transparency and accountability in managing public resources.
“We are committed to ensuring that these vehicles are used efficiently to benefit our residents,” he said.
