Story by Silibaziso Dlodlo
PLUMTREE Town Council has commissioned a US$500,000 fleet of service delivery equipment acquired through internally generated revenue, in a move aimed at improving road maintenance, water supply, emergency response and municipal services.
The newly commissioned fleet comprises a five-tonne truck, a motorised water bowser, two tipper trucks, a tractor loader, a steel drum roller, two Nissan Navara single-cab pick-up trucks, five motorbikes, a commuter omnibus and a Red Lion fire tender.
Deputy Director in the Ministry of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Matabeleland South, Mr Tichaona Mudzviti said the equipment would strengthen service delivery.
“It is our desire that these pieces of equipment will ensure that Plumtree Town Council provides adequate urban services to the population of the town.”
Acting Town Secretary Mr Harold Moyo said the investment demonstrates the council’s commitment to national development goals.
“Our investment in plant and equipment and other vehicles that we are commissioning today is our commitment to attaining this vision and also the national vision. The acquisition and utilisation of this plant and equipment will definitely be a major contribution towards achieving Vision 2030.”
Council Chairperson Alderman Sibangani Ndlovu said the new fleet would improve infrastructure and public services.
“This equipment tells our people that our roads matter; this is about service delivery. Every kilometre of a road built or repaired connects a child to a school, a farmer to the market, a patient to the clinic and businesses to opportunity.”
Deputy Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Honourable Albert Mavunga commended the local authority for financing the acquisition without external borrowing.
“This occasion is not merely about commissioning machinery. Rather, it is a celebration of prudent leadership, sound financial stewardship and visionary planning… I am therefore impressed that Plumtree Town Council has taken the bold decision to invest US$500 801 from its own internally generated revenue towards the acquisition of the plant and the equipment.”
The acquisition comes as Government continues implementing policies aimed at modernising urban settlements, improving infrastructure, enhancing the ease of doing business and creating decent livelihoods for citizens.
