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Thupeyo Muleya-Beitbridge Bureau

Government’s consistent disbursement of devolution funds has helped boost the capacity of the cash-strapped Beitbridge Municipality to deliver people-centred services that come with the town’s transformation into a medium city.

Beitbridge district has so far received over $300 million in devolution funds that was used to procure service delivery equipment and infrastructure developments projects in the area.

Town clerk, Mr Loud Ramakgapola said  this during the unveiling of an earthmover machine to stakeholders on Tuesday that they were set to acquire more equipment and boost infrastructure development from the same funds.

The earthmoving machine was bought for $21,9 million.

Mr Ramakgapola said so far they were able to procure a refuse compactor truck, backhoe loader (TLB) , build two classrooms blocks at a new primary school, build five by two-roomed houses to address a colonial problem around crowding in Dulivhadzimu suburbs, bought a water and sanitation vehicle for $2, 2 million.

 In addition, they made more payments for a sewer jetting machine ($19 million) and a water and sanitation vehicle. 

It also used $700 000 to upgrade its Information Communication and Technology facilities.

Residents association spokesperson, Mr Jabulani Makhado said that the devolution funds were being committed to good use.

He said it was critical for the local authority to procure more earth moving equipment so that they will be able to fix the badly damaged roads.

Deputy Mayor, Councillor Agness Tore, said they intend to buy more equipment to service new suburbs and the existing road network. Beitbridge Residents Association chairman, Mr Lawrence Tshili, said the Government should increase its support to the local authority so that it may address service delivery challenges in Wards 4 (Dulivhadzimu) and Ward 6 (Tshitaudze).