Story by Wellington Makonese
IMPROVING service delivery in rural communities remains central to the devolution agenda, with Zibagwe Rural District Council in the Midlands Province investing in operational vehicles and a modern administration complex to enhance efficiency and improve access to public services.
The council has acquired 43 motorbikes for councillors, four service vehicles and commissioned new offices to strengthen project implementation and improve communication between communities and local authorities.
Chief Executive Officer of Zibagwe Rural District Council, Mr Farai Machaya said the investment is expected to enhance service delivery across the district.
“We have procured 43 motorbikes for councillors, four vehicles and these new offices to strengthen service delivery and improve communication between communities and Government programmes,” he said.
Residents welcomed the development, saying it will improve access to council services.
“We are grateful to Government for the devolution programme, which has made these service vehicles available and improved service delivery,” one resident said.
“This is a positive development. It will help bridge service delivery gaps in our wards and improve access to council services,” another community member added.
The new fleet is expected to improve project monitoring, speed up responses to community needs and strengthen implementation of devolution-funded programmes.
Midlands Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Owen Ncube said the investment aligns with the Government’s drive to improve service delivery under the devolution programme.
“This directly aligns with His Excellency President Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s ‘Call to Action: No Compromise to Service Delivery’ blueprint and the infrastructure pillar of NDS2. I applaud the council’s commitment to uplifting communities through projects such as street lighting, borehole drilling and powering local clinics,” he said.
Government continues to capacitate local authorities as part of efforts to accelerate service delivery, strengthen project oversight and promote inclusive rural development.
