Zimpapers Logo

Patrick Chitumba Midlands Bureau Chief
THE close co-operation between central Government and Gweru City Council (GCC), which saw the former availing foreign currency for the purchase of two refuse collection trucks worth US$700 000, is commendable and should exist in all local authorities in the country.

Addressing residents, Government and GCC officials at the commissioning of the refuse collection trucks at Town House on Thursday, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs in the Midlands Larry Mavima said there was need for local authorities to work hand-in-hand with central Government to improve service delivery.

“The procurement of these trucks was not easy, but through close co-operation for the common good between council authorities and central Government the scarce US dollars were released to purchase these trucks. These trucks show how good working relationships between a local authority and the central Government can help communities to realise their dreams and improve service delivery,” he said.

Minister Mavima said the refuse trucks would help in the collection of refuse from all residential and industrial areas in Gweru.
“Let me applauded Gweru City Council for heeding the President’s clarion call to improve the livelihoods of our citizens by creating a safe environment as we work towards attaining a prosperous and empowered upper middle income society by 2030.

Today marks the beginning of a new era as we work towards zero refuse in Gweru. The new chapter should help us never to be invaded by typhoid or cholera as we witnessed in the recent past,” he said.

Gweru Mayor Councillor Josiah Makombe said the refuse trucks although not enough to service the ever-growing Gweru population, were going to complement the three old trucks in refuse removal. He said Gweru had perennial problems with regards to refuse collection since time immemorial due to shortage of reliable refuse compactors.

“Initially, council had set aside US$320 000 for the two trucks but it ended up paying US$700 000 due to procurement delays. You recall Honourable Minister that I came to see you and requested your assistance for the release of foreign currency from the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe which was eventually done. I want to thank you for that,” said Cllr Makombe.

He said the ideal situation requires the local authority to have 10 refuse collection trucks, two skip trucks and two tractors.
Such a number, the Mayor said, would adequately, effectively and efficiently service Gweru’s expanding population, which was ballooning on a daily basis.