SYDNEY MUBAIWA
GOKWE- Gokwe Town Council on Friday last week commissioned equipment worth US$52 960. 00 purchased using council funds.
The local authority purchased seven motorbikes for its councillors and two vehicles in a development expected to help in service delivery.
Commissioning the equipment, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Owen Ncube said the motorbikes recognises the role of councillors and council employees as a critical cog in the service delivery matrix through capacitation for mobility.
“I therefore urge all councillors to meticulously execute their roles that include providing feedback to residents, facilitating good corporate governance by local authorities, engaging communities in development planning through consultative Ward Development Committee and Budget meetings,” he said.
He said in recent years, Gokwe was one of the most under-serviced districts in the country commenting the local authority for spearheading developmental projects in line with President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s mantra of leaving no place behind agenda.
“To this end, I applaud Local Authorities in the Midlands Province for implementing tangible and high impactful projects covering essential sectors such as health, education, water and sanitation, infrastructure as well as procurement of service delivery equipment among many others.
He commended the local authority for utilising funds wisely, adding that some local authorities were abusing funds.
In an interview with The Midweek Watch, Acting Gokwe Town Council Secretary Alexander Nyandoro said the vehicles will directly strengthen front line operations- enabling effective execution of projects.
“These vehicles will support community engagements, allowing councillors and employees to organise and attend community engagement meetings.
“The motorbikes are on a loan facility, which the loan will be repaid during the councillors’ current term of office,” he said.
He said the local authority is in the process of procuring rider’s suits for safety of the councilors.
“The motorbikes enhances mobility and accessibility for councillors- thus improving service delivery and fostering community engagement. The motorbikes will also lead to quicker response times and frequent visits to areas of need within their wards, thereby fostering a culture of transparency and trust,” he said.
Meanwhile, Gokwe South Rural District Council also commissioned 45 motorbikes and handed over 8 smart phones to local traditional leaders in a bid to enhance their communication.
