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Blessing Karubwa, Chronicle Reporter
THE Lupane Local Board has channelled $15 million received under the devolution fund towards construction of a modern sewer reticulation system to serve the fast-growing town.

There has not been a conventional sewer reticulation system in the town for many years and most houses including public offices use the septic tank model.

Lupane Local Board Town Secretary, Mr Chalton Moyo, said the sewer reticulation project was critical under the on-going modernisation of Lupane, the provincial capital of Matabeleland north province.

“So far, our allocation is $101,4 million but we have only received $15,1 million. All our devolution funds have been channelled to the construction of a sewer reticulation system including construction of sewer trunk line and waste water treatment plant,” he told Chronicle in an interview.

“The reason being that there is no conventional sewer reticulation system in the entire town. All houses are sitting on septic tanks, even stands as small as 200 square metres and this exposes us to health hazards in the long run.”

The devolution drive is a key strategy under the Second Republic led by President Mnangagwa, which has anchored its focus on fostering inclusive growth across the country.

The model is proving to be a success with high impact in capacitating local authorities who have in the past been struggling with provision of essential service delivery such as adequate water and sewer reticulation among other social amenities.

Mr Moyo said the sewer reticulation project was being implemented in phases, starting with the construction of a sewer trunk line to waste water treatment plant. While appreciating Treasury allocations he, however, said the allocations were not enough to meet all their needs hence the phasal implementation.

Mr Moyo said the project was initially set for completion in five years based on resource availability. So far, he said the local authority has done the first stage on waste water reticulation master plan designs and treatment plant designs.

“Waste water reticulation master plan designs and treatment plant designs has been completed with surveys being completed in 2019,” he said.

Focus is now on the trunk line following procurement of some materials, which have already been delivered. In 2018, Mr Moyo said they bought part of the road construction equipment and hope to source more going forward.

“There are plans to procure roads equipment such as a grader, pneumatic roller, tipper trucks etc. In fact, the procurement of a tipper truck is at an advanced stage with the contract having been signed between Lupane Local Board and the supplier,” said Mr Moyo

“The project will help mitigate serious health hazards such as the outbreak of diseases like typhoid and diarrhoea, which are normally associated with open defecation and residents will no longer be required to empty and maintain sceptic tanks and soak ways.” — @Blekarubwa