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MAKONDE Rural District Council chief executive Mrs Lahliwe Murefu has resigned with immediate effect saying she wants to rest, writes Walter Nyamukondiwa.

Mrs Murefu tendered in her resignation letter on Monday, prompting a special council meeting which considered and accepted her decision.

Council chairman Councillor Simbarashe Ziyambi confirmed the resignation, adding that town planner Mr Tarwirei Taipa had been appointed acting chief executive with immediate effect.

“We can confirm the resignation of chief executive Mrs Lahliwe Murefu from Makonde RDC with immediate effect. Council accepted her resignation and appointed Mr Taipa acting CEO,” he said.

Clr Ziyambi said council would sit down to consider Mrs Murefu’s exit package while processes for her replacement were being activated.

Mrs Murefu’s resignation comes as Makonde RDC has embarked on a $3,5 million infrastructure development and rehabilitation programme targeting roads, clinics and schools.

The transformational programme will see re-gravelling of Umboe Road which goes to Mhangura and Tsununu Road to Mapfungwe at a cost of around $1 million.

Clr Ziyambi said clinics, school and roads would get attention this year while each of the 19 wards in the district would get a borehole.

“At least $3,5 million has been approved by central government for Makonde and we have made provisions for the regravelling of roads including Umboe and Tsununu, which are in a bad state,” he  said.

“We are looking at making a major impact in the district, which will benefit everyone in the community. The thrust is in making sure that our roads are trafficable while some schools and clinics are completed.”

At least $800 000 has been earmarked for the upgrade and rehabilitation of sewer and water reticulation infrastructure in Murereka and Mhangura.

The two centres are growing exponentially, putting a strain on existing infrastructure.

“In rural Makonde we are looking at Tsununu Road which is being funded by Zinara directly. Engineers from Zinara were here recently to assess the road. The scope of works involves regravelling of the 50km stretch to Mapfungwe area,” he said.

Makonde RDC also plans to build Chidobera and Mowa primary schools in Gambuli and Kamhonde which is expected to reduce the walking distance for learners.

“Mburungwe and Naison Deep clinics are also expected to be completed this year while measures have been put in place to procure equipment.

“Most of our equipment is down and some of it cannot be repaired so new equipment is needed. We have put in place measures to ensure that service delivery improves,” he said.