MARTIN MAWAYA
GWERU-Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Owen Ncube has praised Gweru City Council for taking the lead in implementing the Government’s Call-to-Action: No Compromise to Service Delivery blueprint, saying the municipality is setting the pace in improving efficiency and accountability.
President Mnangagwa launched the blueprint in November 2023 to modernize councils, enhance transparency, and strengthen service delivery in line with the country’s Vision 2030 development goals.
The framework directs local authorities to update master plans, complete valuation rolls, and adopt enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems to streamline operations and improve performance.
During a tour of the Go-Beer Brewery Plant yesterday, Ncube commended the Gweru council for progress in waste management, water supply, and road maintenance.
“Gweru City Council has demonstrated that service delivery can improve when there is focus and accountability. The city is living up to its reputation as the City of Progress,” Ncube said.
He cited improvements in refuse collection following the procurement of compactors, drilling rigs, tippers, and backhoe loaders, as well as the restoration of traffic lights across major intersections.
“The work being done on Mambo–Woodlands Road, Chidananda Road in Mkoba 16, and Igonde Road near Mkoba Teachers’ College is commendable, though more needs to be done ahead of the rainy season,” he added.
While commending the council’s efforts to boost water supply, the Minister urged the local authority to prioritize unserviced areas such as Mkoba 17, Ascot Infill and Ridgemont Heights, where residents continue to face shortages.
Ncube also encouraged councils to embrace Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), citing the Geo Pomona Waste Management project as a model for sustainable collaboration in service delivery.
“Local authorities must innovate and engage private sector partners to enhance infrastructure, waste management and housing delivery,” he said.
He further urged councils to channel devolution funds towards establishing industrial parks, promoting green energy, and supporting investments in schools, clinics and housing projects to drive inclusive development.
According to the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, 84 of the country’s 92 local authorities have submitted draft master plans, 19 have approved valuation rolls, and 22 are fully using ERP systems, reflecting 84% compliance with the President’s Call-to-Action directive.
Ncube said Gweru’s progress demonstrates the impact of commitment and transparency in reforming local governance.
“Local authorities are key enablers of Vision 2030. Councils must continue to brand, package, and market investment opportunities within their jurisdictions to spur sustainable growth,” he said.
Backed by devolution funds and partnerships, Gweru City Council has positioned itself as one of the Midlands Province’s most progressive and responsive local authorities.
The council has embarked on a greening and beautification programme, while renovating its buildings in Mkoba and at the Town House.
