Stephen Chadenga
Gweru City Council has commissioned service delivery equipment worth US$1,5 million, in an investment expected to improve road maintenance, refuse collection and water delivery in the Midlands capital.
The equipment which includes an excavator, graders, water bouser, road marking machine, fire engines tractors, low lift electric motors, double drum vibratory roller and vibratory plate compactor among others was sourced using council’s own resources as well as Zimbabwe National Road Authority funds.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony mayor Martin Chivhoko said the investments were a testimony of what a municipality can achieve when it remains focused and committed to service delivery.
Chivhoko said the plant and equipment machinery which were an investment of the first quarter of 2026 were not just tools but would build the future of the city.
“They will improve our road maintenance, enhance our water delivery systems and strengthen our ability to respond to the needs of our communities,”Chivhoko said.
“This investment demonstrates our commitment to move away from dependency on hired equipment, reducing operational costs and ensuring that more resources are directed towards actual service delivery.
“This progress would not have been possible without the continued support of our residents, businesses and stakeholders. Every rate paid, every service charge honoured and every contribution made has directly supported these developments.”
He said council would continue collaborating with partners to achieve a smart city status by 2030 and honour municipal obligations.
Guest speaker at the event, Midlands provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Owen Ncube commended the local authority for its resourcefulness and prioritizing procurement of critical plant and equipment using its own revenue to embark on a comprehensive road rehabilitation programme.
“I therefore implore residents and corporates to pay their bills and council to ensure transparency and accountability through compliance with corporate governance standards, diligent contract management and addressing public raised through the Citizen Engagement Score Card recently launched by his Excellency the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe Comrade ED Mnangagwa,”he said.
“This new equipment should address issues of dry taps, uncollected garbage, dilapidated buildings, non functioning traffic lights, road markings dualisation to ease congestion.”
Ncube urged council to accelerate resurfacing of urban roads, improve road markings and attend to potholes.