Zimpapers Logo

Michael Magoronga, [email protected]

THE provision of potable water remains a major challenge for Redcliff Municipality, which seeks a city status by 2030.

This emerged during the ongoing accelerated masterplan consultative meetings which the local authority is conducting as a way of improving service delivery.

Government recently directed all 92 local authorities across the country to come up with masterplans by June indicating how they ought to deliver service and grow in the next 20 years.

Redcliff lead planner, Dr Shamiso Hazel Mafuku told reporters in an interview that although there was limited time, the target was achievable by June.

She said from their consultations, it emerged that water remains a challenge for the town.

“We are focusing on infrastructure, roads, water, sewer, electricity, health care, telecommunication, education, cemeteries and recreational facilities among others. Although we are not solely focusing on a particular service delivery, it seems water is a challenge,” said Dr Mafuku.

“Redcliff relies on Kwekwe for water supply. The town ought to be independent of Kwekwe and create its own reservoirs so that people can have easy access to water.”

Gold

Redcliff has been getting water from Kwekwe City since the collapse of the giant iron and steel manufacturer, Ziscosteel more than 10 years ago.

The now-defunct company used to supply water to the entire Redcliff town where a majority of its workers lived.

Redcliff Municipality owes Kwekwe City Council millions in unpaid water bills, a development that has resulted in the latter cutting water supplies.

Due to the prevailing water challenges, most residents and companies are now relying on boreholes and other unsafe water sources.

Authorities in Redcliff are on record saying they are looking for partners to help construct its own water reticulation plant.

Dr Mafuku said telecommunication was a major component of Redcliff’s growth.

“We are moving into the digital era whereby we no longer rely on paper but connectivity is good for easy and effective communication and it’s very key in the growth of the town especially Redcliff which is aiming for a city status,” she  said.

Redcliff is expanding as evidenced by the construction of shopping malls, fuel stations, a hotel and residential properties such as garden flats along the Harare-Bulawayo highway.

The growth of the town is expected to propel its prospects of achieving a city status. 

The town is also located along the Great Dyke which is rich in mineral deposits ranging from iron ore, limestone, nickel and gold. These minerals present investment opportunities in the mining and manufacturing sectors.