Gwanda municipality purchases refuse truck, eyes revamping health and education sectors, using devolution funds

Gwanda residents got a shot in the arm when the local authority purchased a refuse truck set to improve garbage collection in the mining town.

The refuse truck which was imported is part of development projects that Gwanda embarked on using devolution funds which were allocated by the Government.

Gwanda received nearly ZW$31, 3 million in devolution funds and so far, $14, 3 million has been utilised in different development projects.

Infrastructure projects are also underway mainly in the health and education sectors where the council is constructing a girl’s hostel at Mzimuni High School.

Gwanda council is also working towards the construction of a waiting mother’s shelter at Garanyemba Clinic set to accommodate 430 mothers at maximum.

In an interview, Gwanda Mayor Njabulo Siziba said before the procurement of the refuse truck, residents relied on tractors which often left the environment littered.

“We are grateful for the devolution funds that we received which enabled us to get a new refuse truck which will go a long way in improving our service delivery. We were using tractors previously which were not effective and sometimes we failed to timeously collect refuse from the people,” said Siziba.

“We only received ZW$10 million from what we were allocated and we are also hoping to construct two schools so that our children can access education from nearby schools. Once we get more funds, I am sure we will complete pending projects and embark on more developmental activities so that we improve the lives of Gwanda residents.

Residents said the purchase of the truck will assist in collecting and disposing used condoms and diapers which are scattered all around the town, however, the local authority should also place its focus on other service delivery needs.

“We understand that the council has imported a truck which will go a long way in improving service delivery as we have litter all over including used condoms and diapers. This truck should do rounds soon so that we live in a cleaner environment.”

“We however wish that more can be done in terms of access to water as that remains one of our main challenges in Gwanda. We hope that our next allocation will go towards the water crisis so that a solution is found as we are still struggling,” said Alice Makara.

Juliet Moyo said the devolution funds are helping kick start many essential projects that residents wished for including the refuse truck.

“We used to struggle to have council collect refuse and sometimes we would go for weeks without refuse collection which exposed us to a lot of diseases. It is good to see our council and leaders utilising the funds to improve service delivery so that we also progress like other towns and cities.”