Roseline Mutare
Since his election into office in 2023, Ward 9 Councilor Benard Muchokwa, aka Bennic, has been working tirelessly to improve service delivery in his ward. Through the creation of a ward development committee, which includes representatives from all demographics, Muchokwa has spearheaded numerous projects and activities aimed at addressing the needs of his community.
One of the committee’s earliest achievements was pushing for equal water supply in the ward. Residents of Cloverly, who previously struggled with council water supply, now receive something on a daily basis, albeit for shorter hours.
One of the committee members, Beatrice Anatoria Musiza, praised Muchokwa’s efforts.
“The councilor’s commitment to ensuring equal water supply has been a game-changer for our community,” said Musiza.
Muchokwa’s efforts have also focused on road rehabilitation, with notable progress made on the Industrial road and ongoing advocacy for the Rekayi Tangwena road in the CBD now underway after four years of stalling. Despite challenges posed by funding constraints, the councilor continues to prioritize road maintenance, including frequent pothole patching in the leafy suburb of Rhodene.
The Masvingo United Residents and Ratepayers Association commended Muchokwa for his efforts in ward development and initiative implementation.
“Councilor Muchokwa has been doing a great job in addressing residents’ concerns and improving the community,” said Godfrey Mutimba, the spokesperson for the association.
In response to sewer bursts in the ward, Muchokwa successfully lobbied for the repiping of Flame Tree pipes in Rhodene and Summer Road in Zimre Park.
“The new pipes have significantly reduced the frequency of sewer bursts in our area,” said Wisdom Mudadiwa a resident of Rhodene.
Natasha Magabo echoed the same sentiments.
“We are grateful for the councilor’s efforts in addressing our infrastructure needs and some of the problems in our ward, despite the economic difficulties in the country, his efforts are notable,” said Magabo.
To address security concerns, he introduced a $2 per household fee to fund night patrols, which have helped curb crime in the ward. The committee is also exploring partnerships with private security companies to enhance safety.
Muchokwa said he has made significant strides in infrastructure development, including the installation of streetlights in Rhodene and Curry Street. With the project included in the budget, completion is expected by year-end.
The consultant of Honey Comb retailer, known as Mazambani, Yvonne Shumbanhete from Rhodene, praised Muchokwa’s efforts.
“The installation of streetlights has improved the business environment and made our area more attractive to customers, and still waiting for the completion throughout the ward so that the hood will be more attractive and lessen crimes,” said Shumbanhete.
To promote cleanliness, the councilor and his committee have adopted the “Rwandan model,” with community clean-up exercises taking place every Saturday, in addition to the monthly clean-up Fridays. Beautification efforts are also underway, with the planting of trees and flowers alongside the Harare highway. The recent opening of flagship KFC and Binum Tyre has added to the ward’s aesthetic appeal.
Muchokwa is currently in talks with the Zimbabwe Open University to partner on installing additional traffic lights in the CBD. While challenges such as inflation and funding constraints have hindered progress on some projects, he remains committed to driving development and improving the lives of his constituents.
Through his inclusive approach and dedication to community engagement, he has established himself as a responsive and effective leader in Ward 9
