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Masvingo Bureau
Gutu Rural District Council has introduced three new by-laws in Mpandawana Town in a move expected to bolster operations through increased revenue streams, while also boosting the standing of the sprawling urban settlement in line with its new status.

Mpandawana was granted town status in 2014, making it Masvingo’s second town after Chiredzi.

The by-laws, namely, Environmental Preservation, Domestic Animals and Parking, Towing and Clamping (Traffic), were introduced in the fledgling town following approval by Government through the Ministry of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing.

Gutu RDC applied for approval for the by-laws last year. The council’s chief executive Mr Alexander Mtembwa yesterday said ther approval resonated well with Mpandawana’s new town status. “After our application for the three by-laws was successful, council and its stakeholders moved and unanimously agreed on fixed penalties for offenders,” he said.

“Under the new by-laws all unlicensed businesses will be fined, while farmers who practise overgrazing will be penalised. Throwing litter in open spaces will attract a mandatory fine of $30. Other offences that will be punishable include allowing domestic animals to roam freely in the Town Board area, contaminating and degrading the environment.”

The parking, towing and clamping (Traffic), by-law gives Gutu RDC authority to arrest all errant motorists, , impose fines on them, clamp or tow their vehicles for wrong parking and various other traffic offences.

Mr Mtembwa said council would collect revenue from unscrupulous residents who cause environmental degradation through activities such as illegal extraction of quarry stones and sand. The new by-laws have been roundly welcomed by ratepayers in the town,who agreed that they would bring order.