Centre News Hub
NESHURO— Mwenezi Rural District Council Chairman Alderman Admire Matutu says councillors are the driving force behind development in the district because they are the ones on the ground engaging residents daily.
Speaking to Centre News Hub, Alderman Matutu said councillors play a critical role in linking communities to council by gathering concerns and priorities before resolutions are made in full council.
“We are the foot soldiers of development. We are always with the people in our wards, interacting and consulting them on their service delivery needs and priorities before we go to council to deliberate and make resolutions,” he said.
Leadership and Experience
Alderman Matutu, a retired educationist who taught for 33 years in Mwenezi schools, is serving his third term as Councillor for Ward 14.
He said he leads a council of “vibrant elected councillors” supported by a competent management team led by Chief Executive Officer Albert Chivange.
The chairman said council’s focus is on steering sustainable development through modern service delivery and transforming the arid district of Mwenezi into a contemporary society.
Progress on Education and Health
Alderman Matutu said council is meeting targets set in the Local Government Minimum Service Delivery Standards blueprint.
“In education we are doing well. We have managed to register the majority of satellite schools in our district, which is made up of 83% resettlement areas. Our district pass rate has also gone up, which is a milestone to us,” he said.
In health, he said council has moved to close gaps caused by long distances to facilities. Some villagers previously walked over 30km to access a clinic.
“This year we have managed to complete and commission two critical clinics in our district — Petronella and Hen Clinics — to bridge the gap that has been nagging us in the health sector. We are looking forward to commissioning another one, Nikita Clinic, very soon,” he said.
Food Security and Climate Action
Alderman Matutu hailed council’s Public Private Partnerships with NGOs and the private sector to mitigate climate change and ensure food security.
He said council, together with government, the Zimbabwe Council of Churches, Mwenezi Development Training Centre (MDTC) and other partners, is implementing Village Business Units (VBUs) with solar-powered boreholes for irrigation.
“We have rolled out various VBUs with solar powered boreholes for irrigation to increase food security and nutrition. With MDTC we are also rehabilitating Chikupwi Dam for irrigation in Maranda. Once completed it will assist locals in various ways,” he said.
