Story by Tapiwa Machemedze
MVURWI town which has been experiencing rapid growth is targeting to achieve municipal status after the commissioning of several projects in line with its aspirations.
Devolution-funded initiatives, including sewer ponds with the capacity to support 23 000 households, a refuse compactor, and a fire tenderwere commissioned by the government in Mvurwi this Friday.
The servicing of 600 medium-density stands has also commenced, with residents welcoming these positive developments.
“We are happy and hopeful that the new refuse compactor will improve service delivery. We also expect the fire tender to help mitigate the danger of fires. However, we urge the council to ensure that the hydrants are functioning properly, otherwise, the fire tender will be ineffective,” one of the beneficiaries said.
“As young people, we applaud the devolution fund for making projects possible. However, we cannot afford the current stands and call upon the council to support us by availing high-density stands tailored for the youth,” another beneficiary noted.
Mvurwi Town Council leaders praised the devolution funds for contributing towards the completion of projects.
“As Mvurwi Town Council, our vision aligns with the national agenda. His Excellency, Cde E.D. Mnangagwa and his government have emphasised the goal of achieving an upper-middle-income society. We are committed to that vision and are also working toward attaining municipal status, which is why we have commissioned these projects today,” Mvurwi Town Clerk, Dr Sheryl Nyakudya said.
“With regard to the minimum service delivery standards recently set by the government, I can confidently say that Mvurwi is ahead, we are leading. Agriculture is the backbone of our town, so our vision is to establish support services that promote not only agriculture but also manufacturing. We also plan to establish an agricultural university to ensure young people can acquire skills and perfect their trade,” Mvurwi Town Chairman Tonderai Samhu added.
Acting Provincial Director Coordination Mr Addmore Shereni who was representing Mashonaland Central Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Christopher Magomo committed to ensure that service delivery by local authorities is not compromised.
“The progress we are witnessing today is not accidental, it is the deliberate result of the policy direction set by the Second Republic under the leadership of His Excellency, Cde Emmerson Mnangagwa, who championed the concept of devolution,” he said.
The farming town of Mvurwi has become the fastest rising local authority in Mashonaland Central province with 16 tobacco auction floors opened in the last three years’ establishment of tourist resorts and significant urban expansion.
