By Fanuel Chinowaita
MUTARE, 9 August 2025– The City of Mutare yesterday officially commissioned various pieces of service delivery equipment and opened the newly constructed Chikanga Phase 2 Primary School, in a ceremony marked by jubilation among residents and officials.
The event was presided over by Deputy Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Eng. Benjamin Kabikira, who represented Minister Daniel Garwe.
In his keynote address, Minister Garwe commended the city for uniting behind development goals.
“I want to thank the City of Mutare councillors, management, stakeholders, and residents for working together to ensure that resources are channelled towards development,” he said.
He further praised the city for capitalising on central government partnerships to secure “state-of-the-art equipment,” and urged other municipalities to follow suit.
“Local authorities must emulate the City of Mutare by being transparent in the use of resources for development,” he added.
Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza, applauded the council’s focus on service delivery.
“From the City of Mutare, we are witnessing a transformation in the way public service delivery is approached,” said Mugadza.
“The acquisition of this plant and equipment will greatly enhance the city’s operational capacity. These essential service delivery tools will touch the daily lives of every resident and lay a foundation for a clean, safe, and sustainable urban environment.”
His Worship, Mayor Councillor Simon Chabuka, thanked all contributors to the milestone and revealed a national first.
“The procurement of such equipment demonstrates Council’s commitment to maintaining efficient and effective service delivery,” Chabuka said.
“This motorised fire ladder is the first of its kind in Zimbabwe, and it will significantly improve our emergency response capacity.”
Town Clerk, Mr. Kapuya Blessing Chafesuka, expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Local Government and central government for their continued support.
“I also want to thank our stakeholders, partners, and contractors for playing a vital role in enabling us to meet our service delivery obligations,” Chafesuka said.
He highlighted the city’s progress in education infrastructure.
“I am happy to be part of a team that delivers a school every two years. Chikanga Phase 2 Primary School will go a long way in alleviating the city’s educational needs,” he said.
Deputy Minister Kabikira noted another unique acquisition during the commissioning.
“This is my first time to see a skip bin of this type, and I am impressed by the innovation,” he said.
Chikanga Phase 2 Primary School becomes the city’s seventh school and will operate as a satellite institution under Chikanga Primary School.
The commissioned equipment includes three tipper trucks, a multi-purpose motorised fire ladder, a water bowser, a refuse compactor, academy buses, a 26-seater and a 56-seater bus, a Toyota Land Cruiser donated by the Ministry of Health and Child Care, and a skip truck.
