Government works with Redcliff Municipality to end water woes

Source: The Chronicle – Breaking news

 

A dry tap

Michael Magoronga, magorongammk@gmail.com

GOVERNMENT is working closely with the Redcliff Municipality in finding a lasting solution to the town’s perennial water challenges, Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister, Cde Owen Ncube has said.

He was speaking during the recent official commissioning of road equipment and service vehicles purchased by the local authority to improve service delivery.

Redcliff Municipality has been facing water shortages for close to a decade following the closure of the once giant steel producer, Ziscosteel, which used to treat and distribute water.

The municipality has been receiving water from Kwekwe City and has since accrued a bill hovering around $240 million.

As a solution, Redcliff is looking for partners to construct a stand alone water treatment plant so as to have total control of water treatment and distribution but continue getting raw water from Kwekwe.

Minister Owen Ncube

Minister Ncube said they will continue supporting the local authority in that regard as the development will bring about the much required stability in the town.

“I am alive to the water challenges that are bedeviling the town and efforts being made to solve them. As the Government, we will continue to support Redcliff until lasting solutions have been found,” he said.

“Government fully supports Redcliff’s plans and efforts to establish a stand alone water treatment plant as it brings stability to the town.”

Using its own funds and partnerships with private entities, Redcliff purchased equipment including an ambulance, tipper truck, refuse compactor, grader, fire tender as well as service vehicles.

The local authority also used devolution funds to purchase Bell Medical Centre and Torwood Hospital, which are  being renovated.

Among the more than 20 completed devolution projects, the municipality also renovated Redcliff Clinic, which is servicing the Redcliff community.

Minister Ncube said the move by Redcliff Municipality to mobilise resources to enhance service delivery, was worth emulating.

“Local authorities are allowed to mobilise resources from residents and own investments to improve the livelihoods of citizens by providing quality  health care, water, refuse removal and other such services,” he said.

Minister Ncube said private players are also encouraged to support their local authorities to ensure councils have modern facilities such as clinics.

“Modernisation of health care facilities is a top Government priority and the private sector is encouraged to partner local authorities in that regard. We will continue to support Recliff Municipalty in its endeavour to have operating health facilities,” he said.

Minister Ncube said the achievements by Redcliff Municipality were another milestone by the Second Republic as the country marches towards achieving Vision 2030.

“Road equipment and service delivery vehicles confirm the tangible results of the Second Republic to improve service delivery without leaving anyone and no place behind,” he said.

“This is why the Government puts great emphasis on the decentralisation and devolution of power, recognising the need by local authorities to foster development at a grassroots level.”

Minister Ncube said his office will continue with its oversight and monitoring role to ensure that devolution funds are allocated equitably and timeously.

Redcliff Mayor, Councillor Clayton Masiyatsva, said devolution funds availed by the Government have gone a long way in improving service delivery and livelihoods in the Redcliff community.

“I want to commend the Government for availing the devolution funds, which we have used to fund health care, water and sanitation, road and sewer reticulation projects among others.  We have embarked on 28 projects in total of which 21 are already completed,” he said.

“I am pleading with your office to help so that we become a water authority, which will go a long way towards the local authority’s urban renewal programme. In the meantime, I would plead with you to talk to Kwekwe so that we continue getting water until we find a lasting solution.”

Clr Masiyatsva said since the closure of Ziscosteel, revenue flows to the council have  dwindled thereby affecting service delivery.