-as Gweru repossesses idle stands
MARTIN MAWAYA
GWERU-Government has commended Gweru City Council for repossessing residential and commercial stands that had remained undeveloped for decades, warning that land acquired for speculative purposes would be reclaimed to promote development and curb land hoarding.
Midlands Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Owen Ncube made the remarks yesterday while commissioning US$1,5 million worth of roadworks, water and emergency service equipment acquired by the local authority.
“I want to commend council for taking a stand and repossessing stands bought and lying idle for years. We cannot tolerate people who bought stands for speculative purposes,” said Ncube.
The minister said land should be utilised for development in line with Government’s vision of improving service delivery and expanding urban infrastructure.
Ncube also urged residents and the corporate sector to pay their rates and service charges to enable council to improve service delivery, while calling on the local authority to uphold transparency, accountability and sound corporate governance in the management of public resources.
The commissioned equipment, valued at US$1,5 million and procured using council generated revenue, includes an excavator, two graders, a water bowser, a road-marking machine, a double-drum vibratory roller, compactors, two rotary mower slashers, two fire engines, water pumps, two 75HP tractors and a utility vehicle.
He commended the local authority for prioritising investment in plant and equipment, saying the machinery would strengthen road rehabilitation, improve water supply and enhance municipal service delivery.
Ncube also praised the city for completing infrastructure projects, including the resurfacing of Chidanana Road, overlay works on Sixth Street, upgrades at Gwenhoro Water Treatment Works and ongoing beautification initiatives.
However, he challenged the local authority to accelerate the rehabilitation of urban roads, improve road markings and repair potholes, particularly at Mvuma Roundabout and in high-density suburbs such as Mkoba, Mtapa, Senga and Woodlands.
The minister said the newly acquired equipment should also be deployed to address erratic water supplies, refuse collection, malfunctioning traffic lights, inadequate street lighting, dilapidated public infrastructure, vending sites and sanitation facilities.
He further called for the modernisation of Mtapa Market and encouraged the city to embrace public-private partnerships in waste management, smart metering and market infrastructure to enhance service delivery and support economic growth.
