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Freedom Mupanedemo Midlands Bureau

A BLOCK of new modern flats built under the Zvishavane town’s oldest suburb of Mandava was commissioned yesterday by the town council as part of urban renewal funded through the Devolution budget.

Mandava suburb, built in 1916, is the oldest township in the small town of Zvishavane with most of its structures now dilapidated and inhabitable.

Zvishavane Town Council, using devolution funds, has been demolishing these old structures and replacing them with new modern garden flats.

Speaking during the commissioning of the first batch of the new flats, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Larry Mavima, commended the local authority for channelling the devolution funds towards a good cause.

He said the Second Republic’s Smart City concept was gathering pace and local authorities should shift focus.

“The President has reiterated that Zimbabwe was for Zimbabweans and Zimbabweans should take a leading role in rebuilding their nation.

“To this end, the Second Republic has been playing its part, disbursing funds towards development to each local authority,” Minister Mavima said.

Local authority officials, he said, should put devolution funds to good use and shun corruption.

“You must work hard in your various positions of authority as we develop our nation together.

“Those caught on the wrong side of the law will face the consequences since corruption has no place in our local authorities,” Minister Mavima said.

Zvishavane Town Council acting Secretary, Mr Mongororo Mazai, said the town was on an urban renewal drive. The second block of flats will be completed within the next three months.

“So far under the project, we have managed to finish one block with three rooms per family. We are demolishing those old worn structures replacing them with modern infrastructure, and in the next three months we are set to finish another one,” Mr Mazai said.

Residents interviewed said they were very happy with the new modern garden flats.

“It’s a sign that our town is also developing. We have been staying under squalid conditions and this is a welcome development to our city,” said Ms Gloria Mandebvu.