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Michael Magoronga Midlands Correspondent
Zibagwe Rural District Council (ZRDC) has set aside $50 000 for the purchase of motorbikes for its 33 councillors. In an interview, the council’s chief executive Mr Farayi Machaya said the councillors needed transport to effectively cover their wards.

“We are in the process of buying motor bikes for our councillors to enable them to conduct their business without hustles,” he said.

“As you are aware, some walk long distances and this may hinder the way they operate in their wards.”

Mr Machaya said the motorbikes were part of the local authority’s way of improving the ease of doing business.

“There are some places that are difficult to get to, but with motorbikes they will be able to reach out to our ratepayers in those places and educate them on the importance of paying rates,” he said.

Mr Machaya said they had already made a provision for the purchase of the motorbikes in their 2018 budget, which was awaiting approval.

He said each motorbike was likely to cost about $1 500.

Mr Machaya said they were aiming to improving revenue collection by reaching out to ratepayers through the councillors.

“Last year we realised a 49 percent increase in revenue collections due to various initiatives such as the introduction of POS machines and paying of bills using phone transfers,” he said.

“So, this is one way of improving our revenue collections in 2018.”

Ward 12 Councillor Ranganayi Chauke applauded council for the move, saying it will go a long way in assisting them conduct their duties.

“We are having challenges with transport in the wards, at times we use bicycles or scotch carts to reach out to some ratepayers who are far away,” he said.

“The move by council is welcome as it will go a long way in ensuring councillors engage with everyone.”

Clr Chauke said there were areas that were inaccessible by vehicles that could be accessed using motorbikes.