The Sunday News
Sharon Chimenya, Masvingo Correspondent
MASVINGO City Council has bemoaned lack of funding as it has affected progress of major infrastructure projects in the city.
The local authority, according to its half year budget review report has allocated 33 infill residential stands, three industrial stands and 14 commercial stands during the period under review. However, council noted that it has been finding it difficult to refurbish its stadia, halls and to complete the upgrading of markets.
“Council continues to prioritise housing but funding for infrastructure development remains a challenge. Council allocated 33 infill residential stands in Mucheke during the year and servicing is in progress. Stands have been surveyed in Rujeko D and we are awaiting approval of the layout plans by the Department of Physical Planning.
Negotiations are also under way with a local financial institution to provide funding for onsite infrastructure on this project. A layout for commercial and medium density stands around at the area adjacent to Exor have also been approved and development of designs to establish the costs is underway,” read part of the report.
“Council has moved a gear up in availing economic development opportunities in the city with three industrial and 14 commercial stands allocated in various places across the city. It is envisaged that these developments will increase employment opportunities to the youths in the city as well as providing the city’s residents with facilities to conveniently access goods and services. Servicing of some of the stands has already been completed while for others it is in progress.”
The local authority is engaging financial institutions to provide loans to help fund the construction works at the Takawira and Garikai markets, a project that started last year.
Some of the stalls were completed and commissioned last year.
“Markets upgrading is in progress, however, at a slow pace as the rental incomes that are meant for the project are falling short of the amounts required to complete the project. Engagements are on-going with a financial institution to provide a loan that will be backed by the rentals to fund the construction works. Stadia and halls remain closed due to the pandemic. Council recognises the need to refurbish these amenities but funding constraints have been a stumbling block,” noted the council.
Meanwhile, the council is working with various partners in supporting vulnerable groups within our society.
The partnership between the City of Masvingo and Dialogue on Shelter has seen the creation of a Masvingo City
Fund whose objective is to provide loans to vulnerable groups.
As at 30 June 2021, US$27,700 had been disbursed to 249 members who form 45 groups.
A total of US$10,925 had been repaid as at the same date. Council said it has also partnered with Christian Care which in addition to offering assistance to vulnerable groups has supplied and installed piped water schemes through solar powered boreholes in wards 3, 4 and 6.
Work on the ward 6 project is still in progress.
