Stephen Chadenga
Chinhoyi is changing. Not just in colour, but in how it looks, feels and functions.
In a major push to restore the town, the Chinhoyi Municipality has completed rehabilitation of 17 kilometres of roads, a city-wide greening programme and maintenance of key infrastructure. The project, dubbed the Green Revolution, is one of the biggest urban renewal efforts the town has seen in years.
Speaking about the project, Mayor Owen Charuza (pictured) said the council wants Chinhoyi to set the standard nationally.
“We are greening Chinhoyi and we want to make sure the green revolution is one of the best in the country,” said Charuza. “We want to make sure Chinhoyi Council is one of the best in the country and make it a smart city.”
The road rehabilitation covered some of the town’s busiest routes. Potholes were patched, damaged sections were resurfaced, and road markings were repainted. Drainage systems along the 17km stretch were cleared and repaired to prevent flooding during the rainy season. Pavements were also fixed, making it safer for pedestrians, school children and vendors who walk along the main roads every day.
Alongside the road works, the council embarked on a greening drive. Trees were planted along major streets and around public spaces. Grass along road reserves was cut, overgrown bushes cleared, and flower beds established near council offices and roundabouts. Kerbs, bus stops, and public buildings were painted green, giving the town a fresh, uniform identity.
Mayor Charuza said the work goes beyond painting and planting.
“We have embarked on water augmentation, painting and rehabilitation of infrastructure,” he said.
Maintenance of infrastructure formed the third pillar of the project. Street lights were repaired, water pipes were fixed in some areas, and public toilets were renovated. Community halls and council buildings received attention, while broken signage was replaced with new, reflective signs to improve safety for motorists at night.
Local business owners say the impact is already visible. Shops along the rehabilitated roads report more customers, while transport operators say the smoother roads have reduced vehicle maintenance costs. Commuters say journeys are now faster and safer, especially during peak hours.
Residents, however, say the real test will be sustainability. Many recall past projects that started well but collapsed due to lack of maintenance. They want council to keep the roads repaired, the trees watered, and the drains clear long after the launch.
Council says a maintenance schedule is now in place, with teams assigned to specific sections of the 17km. The municipality also plans to involve residents, businesses and schools in tree planting and clean-up campaigns.
For now, Chinhoyi looks renewed. The roads are smoother, the town is greener, and public spaces are cleaner. The Green Revolution may have started with 17km, but for residents, it represents hope that Chinhoyi can be rebuilt, one kilometre at a time.