Story by John Nhandara
HARARE Metropolitan Province has engaged an investor under a private-public partnership agreement to address challenges faced by local authorities under its purview.
Local authorities under Harare Metropolitan Province are set to embark on bankable projects to improve service delivery after the province enlisted the services of a local financier who has shown interest in investing in various projects.
The local authorities are currently facing challenges that include poor waste management, failure to provide adequate clean water to communities, and poor road networks.
Epworth Local Board chairperson, Councillor Anna Sande said, “We are not able to provide water to the whole of Epworth as a local board and we also need resources to service most of our roads.”
“We have primary health care facilities that do not have adequate resources and equipment,” said Harare City Council town clerk, Mr Hosiah Chisango.
The engagement has culminated in a consensus being reached on key areas that need investment.
“We have engaged the bank so that they will provide the money for certain bankable projects such as acquisition of refuse collection compactors,” said, Harare Metropolitan Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Senator Charles Tawengwa.
Harare Metropolitan Secretary for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Mr Tafadzwa Muguti said, “This engagement is part of our provincial economic development plan, and we think we can improve service delivery in these areas.”
CBZ bank executive director, Mr Phibeon Mutibura gave an insight into the funding modalities.
“We have identified certain bankable projects and the funding models through our different schemes. These are in areas of provision of water and road rehabilitation,” he said.
Four local authorities fall under the Harare Metropolitan Province. These are the Harare City Council, Epworth Local Board, Ruwa Local Board, and Chitungwiza Municipality.
