ROSELINE MUTARE
Masvingo City has seen significant advancements in service delivery, primarily facilitated by the Locals Accountability for Citizen Engagement (LACE) project.
This initiative, executed by the Vendors Initiative for Social and Economic Transformation (VISET), has fostered constructive engagement between residents and the local authority, resulting in measurable impacts.
Jabulani Chikomwe, the programs manager at VISET, commended the initiative for its effectiveness.
“The LACE project has markedly transformed the responsiveness of the council to citizen concerns, we are witnessing tangible outcomes, such as the provision of assistive devices at council-operated clinics and the renovation of Mucheke Clinic,” said Chikomwe.
Residents have expressed appreciation for the council’s heightened responsiveness, particularly regarding the rapid upgrades made to Mucheke Clinic following recent discussions with the Finance Director.
“The council has also made progress in essential service provision, including the construction of the North West Maternity Wing, the completion of the Runyararo Clinic, and the procurement of three ambulances,” Chikomwe added.
The project has also significantly benefited disabled persons, with the local authority ensuring the availability of assistive devices at its clinics. Women with disabilities have reported improvements in the attitudes of clinic staff, especially concerning contraceptive requests.
Despite these advances, residents still encounter challenges such as limited operating hours of clinics, a shortage of medical personnel, and inadequate medical supplies. Nevertheless, there is a prevailing optimism about the project’s sustainability, with hopes that it will catalyze further enhancements in service delivery.
Oppah Chigiya, a local resident, remarked, the initiative:
“The LACE project has been transformative; we now see the council taking our concerns seriously, and we appreciate the efforts to address our needs,” she said.
Additionally, the Masvingo Residents and Ratepayers Association (MURRA) has been engaged in dialogue with the council regarding the exchange rate applied to utility bills, with the council committing to an internal review of this matter.
As the LACE project progresses, residents remain hopeful that the ongoing dialogue and responsiveness will lead to improved service delivery and an enhanced quality of life for all citizens of Masvingo.
