Zimpapers Logo

Patrick Chitumba, [email protected]

GWERU City Council (GCC) has availed its masterplan for public review, outlining the city’s vision for the next 20 years. The comprehensive document serves as a roadmap for the city’s growth and development, addressing key areas such as land use, infrastructure, transportation and public services.

The plan aims to promote balanced growth, environmental stewardship and economic vitality, ensuring Gweru develops in a sustainable and inclusive manner.
The council has invited the public to review and contribute to the draft, allowing residents to offer suggestions, comments and objections.

This transparent and participatory process ensures the plan meets the needs and aspirations of all citizens. It was developed by a private consultant based on public input, surveys, planning initiatives, existing development, physical characteristics and social and economic conditions.

Minister Moyo addressing parents at Mudondo School in Gokwe

This follows President Mnangagwa’s launch last November of the blueprint: “A Call to Action — No Compromise to Service Delivery”, which outlined first-stage interventions to modernise the operations of local authorities towards Vision 2030. All 92 local authorities were directed to submit masterplans as part of efforts to enhance service delivery.
This comes amid indications that the city is set to expand its boundaries in line with the smart city concept.

The proposals include the expansion of the Central Business District (CBD) with all land on the sides of major highways now reserved for businesses, a move that will affect the Gweru Sports Club, which will be moved to the outskirts of the CBD.
Suburbs like Woodlands and Hertfordshire, which were previously under Vungu Rural District Council authority, will now be under the jurisdiction of GCC according to the proposals in the masterplan.

The document has been made available at Mkoba 6, 16 and Senga administration offices for stakeholders to make their submissions on the proposed expansion plans.
Acting town clerk, Mr Livingston Churu, said one of the major proposals is to come up with a new CBD for the growing city.

“You will also see some of the facilities being moved. One of the key issues is the issue of hotels.
“We are targeting three new hotels, and with us hosting the upcoming Cricket World Cup, we are going to take advantage of that to spruce up our city,” he said.

Minister Ncube inspecting Gweru City Council new master plan at the town house

Mr Churu called upon residents and stakeholders to make time and appreciate the document.
“We want residents to make contributions, suggestions and even objections. It is through this transparent and participatory process that we can refine and enhance the plan to ensure it meets the needs and aspirations of our residents,” he said.
Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister, Owen Ncube and some Government officials visited Town House on Tuesday to appreciate the masterplan.

Minister Ncube said the Government is impressed by the growth trajectory that has been presented by the City Fathers while urging stakeholders to add their input during this inspection stage.

“It’s now open for everyone, the business community, the church and residents should come and make their concerns known as directed by the President,” he said.