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Tawanda Mangoma in CHIREDZI
Masvingo Provincial Affairs Minister Cde Eza Chadzamira has exhorted Chiredzi Town councillors to bury their political differences and close ranks to make sure the sugar-cane growing town attains municipal status by 2023.

He said tugs-of-war along political lines will derail plans to grow Chiredzi Town despite its rich potential, thanks to a vibrant sugar industry.

Addressing guests during the commissioning of a 2,4km road refurbishment project, Minister Chadzamira said the development of a sound road network in Chiredzi was key in the attainment of the province’s $8 billion economy by 2030.
The road project was financed by a $590 000 grant from the Zimbabwe National Roads Administration (Zinara).

“The road is a part of the local authority’s 100-Day Plan in response to the clarion call by his Excellency, the President, Cde ED Mnangagwa, on the need to improve delivery of public services and goods,” said Cde Chadzamira.

“The commissioning, therefore, in my opinion is symbolic of the potential Chiredzi and indeed Masvingo has in terms of being a transport and economic hub linking Zimbabwe and the region to foreign markets.
“Let us think outside the box and dream big as we envision the opportunities offered in this region.”

Cde Chadzamira said local authorities should improve on the ease of doing business by taking advantage of the current realignment of laws being effected by Parliament.

“We should be alive to the changes in the Regional Town and Country Planning Act and the creation of the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency, which Government is pursuing,” he said.

“These frameworks allow us to facilitate access and processing of construction permits and handling interests under one roof.”
In his address, Chiredzi Town Council chair Councillor Gibson Hwende said they wanted to improve living standards of residents.

“The road rehabilitation programme has been going on for a while,” he said.
“We started with Msasa Drive that links the town and the bus terminus where funding was 50 percent council and 50 percent Zinara.

“Zinara was impressed with that project and they then provided funds leading to work being done on the Hippo Valley and Aerodrome, Impala Drive, Marula Drive, Mopane Road, Chiredzi Drive and other feeder roads.”

Cllr Hwende said they were undertaking a water and sewer system upgrade that would end the town’s perennial water challenges.

Present at the event was Town Council secretary Mr Charles Muchatukwa, Masvingo Provincial Administrator Mr Fungai Mbetsa, Chiredzi South legislator Retired Brigadier-General Kalisto Gwanetsa and his counterparts from Chiredzi West and East, Cdes Farai Musikavanhu and Denford Masiya, respectively.