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Manicaland Bureau
GOVERNMENT is fully behind Mutare City Council’s urban renewal programme and will soon invite the city’s officials to appear before Parliament and explain their plans for Sakubva high-density suburb.

Minister of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing July Moyo said his ministry would also give its input into the council’s plans.

He said this last week in Mutare during the induction of councillors drawn from all local authorities in Manicaland.

“We applaud the council for such an initiative,” he said. “We want to have an input so that we have a shared vision for the Sakubva flats. We will be inviting you (council) when Parliament officially opens so that you exhibit your plans and what you have for redevelopment of Sakubva.”

Minister Moyo said the Government would also allow council to enlist the services of private players who were willing to partner it in the construction work.

Government last year committed about $2 million towards the construction of the flats with estimates indicating that at least $30 million is needed to complete the project.

Sakubva is densely populated with dilapidatedhouses being a major concern among its residents.

In his remarks at the same event, Min Moyo urged local authorities to adjust their budget allocations saying the lion’s share should not be channelled towards salaries.

“Let us fine tune our budgets and let us budget properly so that you cannot go beyond 30 percent on employment costs,” he said.

Minister Moyo said local authorities should take full responsibility in their tax measures designed  to raise revenue.