Story by Tamuka Charakupa
SANYATI Growth Point in Mashonaland West Province is aiming to attain town status by 2030, with local leaders and residents citing the success of the Government’s devolution programme as a key driver of development in the area.
The growth point has recorded notable infrastructure and service delivery improvements, which stakeholders say are laying the foundation for its transformation into a fully-fledged town.
As Zimbabwe continues progressing towards the goals of Vision 2030, Sanyati is positioning itself to contribute to the country’s broader economic and social development agenda.
Residents have expressed gratitude to Government for the ongoing rehabilitation of the Sanyati–Kadoma Highway, which is expected to improve connectivity and economic activity in the area.
The community has also commended the Sanyati Rural District Council for implementing a number of transformative projects at the growth point – funded mainly through devolution funds.
These include the construction of vending markets, rehabilitation of roads and improving the water reticulation system.
“In 2020, I went to appeal to the President about the poor state of the Sanyati road because it was causing serious transport challenges for our people. Today, we are happy to see that the road is now being rehabilitated, which is making movement much easier for motorists, farmers and the general public. This development will go a long way in improving the lives of our communities,” Traditional Leader, Chief Neuso said.
Residents have also testified to the number of improvements being undertaked under the Second Republic for the benefit of their community.
“We are witnessing significant improvements in service delivery. The water reticulation system is being improved, and our inroads are constantly being worked on using council equipment. The construction of vending sites is also changing the outlook of our area, as traders now have proper places to operate from. We are also beginning to see more organised and orderly residential areas emerging,” one resident said.
“The development activities taking place in Sanyati clearly show that Government is committed to ensuring that no one and no place is left behind. Projects that are being implemented here are improving people’s livelihoods and bringing services closer to the community,” another resident said.
The Sanyati Rural District Council leadership says, with the current pace of development, the attainment of town status is now imminent.
“We are grateful to Government for the rehabilitation of the Sanyati Highway, which has significantly improved connectivity between Sanyati and other economic centres. This development is expected to unlock downstream benefits for the district, including attracting new investments in key sectors such as agriculture, commerce and small to medium enterprises. Improved infrastructure is a critical enabler of economic growth, and we are confident that these strides will accelerate development across the district. With the continued support of Government through programmes such as Devolution, we believe the vision of attaining town board status for Sanyati by 2030 is not only realistic but achievable,” CEO Sanyati RDC Mr Achim Shadaya said.
“As a local authority, we are making tangible progress in improving service delivery for our residents. Through the support of Government under the Devolution Policy, we have managed to install new water pumps to enhance water reticulation, construct vending shades to provide decent trading spaces for vendors, and rehabilitate several roads using equipment procured through devolution funds. In addition, we have established a new residential suburb known as Chigoware, with plans already underway to open more residential areas to cater for the growing population. We would like to sincerely thank Government for the Devolution initiative, which continues to transform communities and accelerate development in Sanyati,” Chairperson Sanyati RDC Mr Stanford Chaombezvi said.
With the pace of development currently being witnessed, Sanyati is set to become the fourth growth point to attain a town status after Banket, Mhangura and Chirumhanzu.
