SHANNISE DZOBO
MASVINGO -In a move that is set to drastically improve service delivery in the ancient city, the local authority has commissioned 12 service delivery vehicles valued at US$2 156 093.
The commissioning of the brand new service vehicles was done at a colourful ceremony held at the civic centre last Tuesday The Midweek Watch can reveal.
The Masvingo City Council commissioned three brand new Fire Tender Trucks, 1 Iron Roller, 1 Refuse Compactor, 2 Tipper Trucks and five service vehicles.
The Minister of State for Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Ezra Chadzamira who was the guest of honour at the ceremony paid tribute to President Mnangagwa for spearheading devolution and disbursement of the funds that were used in the procurement of the essential vehicles.
“I must acknowledge the pivotal role played by His Excellency, President Mnangagwa in facilitating the Belarus fire tenders equipment deal which enabled the procurement of these vital assets”, said Chadzamira.
“Prior to this acquisition, Masvingo City had been operating with only two unreliable fire tenders and with the addition of these three new fire tender trucks it will significantly enhance our disaster management response capabilities in and around the city”.
“The operationalization of the Devolution Agenda by the 2nd Republic is a testament to his people-centered approach as evidenced by the disbursement of at least 5% of national revenues to Provincial Councils and Local Authorities for the implementation of capital projects in education, health, water, roads and energy sectors”
Chadzamira also commented and thanked Masvingo City Council for their responsible utilization of Devolution Funds and their commitment to procuring high-quality equipment.
Masvingo City Mayor, Councilor Alec Tabe also said that he was humbled by the milestone development by the Council.
“I am very humbled on behalf of the other councilors by the milestone achievement that we have achieved by acquiring essential service delivery vehicles and we are very grateful to the office of the Minister of State for being always available to assist and working with us all the time,” said Tabe.
“To the Minister we request the support of your office in disaster management and acquisition of emergency response vehicles so that we can enhance service delivery”.
Masvingo Town Clerk, Engineer Edward Mukaratirwa also commented the initiatives and went on to mention that apart from the Belarus fleet they also acquired other service vehicles from the local companies like Byword Motors, Croco Motors, Dulys Truck and Amtec as a way of supporting as they in turn do the same by paying rates together with their employees.
“These acquisitions were made possible through devolution funds, ZINARA grants and the council’s own resources,” said Eng Mukaratirwa.
