Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Hon Daniel Garwe, today led a government delegation to Mutoko Rural District Council for the ceremonial commissioning of a Backhoe loader and motorbikes handover, underscoring the government’s commitment to improving the lives of rural communities.
Attending the Mutoko Rural District Council handover ceremony, Hon Daniel Garwe was accompanied by Hon Senator Apollonia Munzverengwi, Mashonaland East Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution; Hon Felix Tapiwa Mhona, Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development; Hon T Machakaire (Minister of Youth and Hon B. Kabikira, Deputy Minister of Local Government and Public Works, showcasing a strong government presence at the event.
In his remarks , Hon Garwe emphasized that the Backhoe Loader, a versatile and powerful tool, would be instrumental in augmenting service delivery in Mutoko Rural District Council, facilitating a notable improvement in infrastructural development.
“This Backhoe Loader, with its adaptability and strength, will serve as a vital asset in enhancing service delivery within Mutoko Rural District Council, contributing to significant enhancements in the district’s infrastructural development,” he said.
Additionally, Hon Garwe asserted that the motorbikes would equip councilors with the necessary mobility to reach and engage with all corners of their wards, effectively increasing accessibility and responsiveness to community concerns.
“The allocation of motorbikes to our councilors will serve to provide them with increased mobility, allowing them to reach every part of their wards and better engage with the community. This, in turn, will promote greater accessibility and responsiveness to the concerns and needs of residents, ensuring that our local representatives are effectively fulfilling their duties.
“These motorbikes and Backhoe loader will play a crucial role in realizing the objectives of the Call to Action Blueprint, which demands excellence in service delivery as we strive to achieve the goals outlined in our Vision 2030. We will not tolerate any lapses or shortcomings in our quest for progress and prosperity.
“President Mnangagwa and the Ministry of Local Government launched the Call to Action Blueprint in November of last year, a pivotal policy document that defines our nation’s steadfast commitment to delivering high-quality public services without compromise,” said Hon Garwe.
Hon Garwe sent a strong warning to Land Barons operating within local councils, stating that those engaging in illicit land deals within municipal areas would be subject to the full extent of the law and must be swiftly brought to justice.
Addressing the gathering, Honourable Felix Tapiwa Mhona emphasized the close cooperation between his Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development and the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, declaring that the two ministries work hand-in-hand to ensure seamless delivery of quality services and infrastructure development for the people of Zimbabwe.
Minister Mhona confirmed that ZINARA, a Parastatal under the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development, would be providing graders to councils, ensuring that the necessary equipment was available for efficient road upkeep.
“To bolster local road maintenance, we have secured an arrangement with ZINARA, a Parastatal under the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development, to provide graders and tippers to councils. This will guarantee that councils have the necessary equipment for efficient road upkeep.
“We are committed to ensuring that the necessary resources are made available to support local road maintenance, and to that end, ZINARA will be providing fuel to the councils for this critical task,” said Hon Mhona.
In response to the community’s concerns about the condition of the hospital road, Hon Mhona assured them that the road would be rehabilitated soon, alleviating any issues with accessibility and providing the citizens with a safer and more convenient means of travel.
“I can assure you that the hospital road will be rehabilitated in the near future, addressing the issue of accessibility and ensuring the safety and convenience of our citizens.
“Next week, engineers from our Ministry will visit the area to assess the current state of the road and formulate a plan for its rehabilitation. We are committed to addressing this issue in a timely and effective manner,” he said.
He addressed the community’s concerns regarding the Harare-Nyamapanda Highway, which is commonly known as Mutoko Road, assuring them that the highway would be rehabilitated soon, resolving the ongoing safety and efficiency concerns that were affecting motorists traveling between these two places.
“I understand the concerns you have raised about the Harare-Nyamapanda Highway, also known as Mutoko Road. I can assure you that this road will be rehabilitated soon, resolving the ongoing safety and efficiency issues that are affecting motorists traveling between these two places.
“I commend President Mnangagwa and his administration for their tireless efforts to improve the infrastructure of our country, particularly in the area of road rehabilitation. The government’s dedication to the Vision 2030 strategy is already yielding positive results, and I am confident that this will continue in the years to come,” he said.
In her address, Hon Minister State Munzverengwi started by congratulating Hon Garwe on his recent appointment, expressing her confidence in Hon Garwe’s leadership and expertise to serve the country well.
Hon Minister State Munzverengwi applauded the acquisition of the Backhoe Loader and motorbikes as a significant milestone in the mission to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of local authorities.
Hon Minister State Munzverengwi commended the Backhoe Loader’s versatility and strength.
“The Backhoe Loader is a powerful and flexible machine, well-suited for a variety of tasks ranging from excavation to loading.
” Council can complete projects more rapidly and with lower costs, thus maximizing our efficiency and effectiveness in public service,” she said.
Hon Garwe commended the members of Mutoko Rural District Council for their hard work and dedication, and that he was impressed with their achievements.
Story by Jeremiah Gora
