By Dumisani Ndlovu
Gweru – The Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Midlands, Honourable Owen Ncube, officially commissioned Gweru City Council’s new mini-bus and three service pick-up trucks, valued at USD165,000, procured using Council’s own funds. The ceremony, held at the Gweru Fire Station, marked a significant milestone in the Council’s efforts to enhance service delivery.
In his keynote address, Minister Ncube praised Gweru City Council for prioritizing service delivery and adhering to the Second Republic’s devolution and decentralization agenda. “Today’s event illustrates Council’s commitment to adhere to provisions of the Second Republic’s devolution and decentralization agenda and corporate governance frameworks that empower communities, promote local decision-making, transparency, and accountability,” he said.
The Minister commended the Council for its swift response to the recent Hungwe bus accident, saying, “I express my deep appreciation for the swift response by Gweru City, ZRP, medical staff, the community, and other members of the Civil Protection who timeously attended the recent Hungwe bus accident near Fairmile Hotel and averted further loss of life.”
Minister Ncube urged other Local Authorities to emulate Gweru’s efficiency and transparency, emphasizing the importance of sound budget performance, accountability, and Public-Private Partnerships in stimulating development. “Local Authorities must complement devolution funds with well-structured, widely consulted, and transparent, technology-driven revenue generation systems as well as promotion of Public Private Partnerships to stimulate development in areas under their jurisdiction,” he said.
With the new vehicles, Gweru City Council is poised to further enhance service delivery, transforming residents’ livelihoods. The Minister encouraged the Council to continue prioritizing infrastructure provision, SME growth, and investment promotion, saying, “Priority must be given to provision of market stalls, facilitation of growth of the SME sector, creation of a favourable investment climate through digital technologies, road maintenance, reliable water supply, waste management, and modernisation of infrastructure.”
The commissioning of the mini-bus and service pick-up trucks is a testament to Gweru City Council’s commitment to leaving no one and no place behind. As Minister Ncube noted, “The vehicles before us today should translate into improved service delivery and transform the livelihoods of residents.” With this development, Gweru City Council is set to continue delivering on its mandate, enhancing the lives of its residents and contributing to the province’s growth and development.
