Tiyani Hahlani
Centre News Hub
MASVINGO – Recognition for improved governance and service delivery has placed the City of Masvingo among Zimbabwe’s top-performing local authorities after Town Clerk, Engineer Edward Mukaratirwa, was ranked the fifth-best performing town clerk in the country for the 2025 financial year.The
Ministry of Local Government and Public Works Annual Performance Feedback Report also ranked Mayor Cllr Aleck Tabe as the country’s second-highest-rated mayor after he scored 4.12 points, while Mukaratirwa attained 4.04 points.
Speaking to this publication, Mayor Tabe said the recognition reflected the commitment and collective effort that had gone into improving governance and service delivery in the city.
He said the achievement belonged not only to Mukaratirwa, but also to councilors, management, employees, stakeholders and residents who have supported the city’s development agenda.
“This recognition is a proud moment for the City of Masvingo and, most importantly, for our residents. It is a clear affirmation that the reforms, hard work and commitment to improving service delivery are being recognised at the national level,” said Tabe.
Tabe said Mukaratirwa’s leadership had been characterised by professionalism, accountability and strategic planning, attributes that had strengthened the city’s performance.
“He has demonstrated visionary leadership, professionalism, integrity, accountability, and a results-oriented approach. He has built a strong management team that believes in teamwork, innovation, and performance management,” said Tabe.
He also said that council would continue prioritising improvements in service delivery, infrastructure and beautification projects ahead of the Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo as it will benefit the residents.
“While we celebrate this achievement, we remain focused on delivering even better services. Our priorities include improving water supply and sanitation, rehabilitating roads, expanding housing delivery, strengthening waste management, promoting investment, creating employment opportunities, and enhancing digital service delivery. As we prepare to host the Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo,” said Tabe.
Masvingo United Ratepayers and Residents Alliance (MURRA) Director, Anoziva Muguti, also welcomed the recognition, saying residents had witnessed improvements in water supply, refuse collection and the servicing of residential stands, which reflected the city’s efforts to improve governance and service delivery.
“It is a positive achievement for Engineer Edward Mukaratirwa and the City of Masvingo, reflecting efforts to improve service delivery and governance. We congratulate the Town Clerk and council team,” said Muguti.
Muguti, however, said residents continued to face challenges, including high rates and service charges, expensive residential stands and the need to relocate the city’s dumpsite to the proposed Cambria Farm landfill.
“Residents still face high rates and service charges, as well as expensive residential stands. We also want the city to prioritize relocating the dumpsite to the Cambria Farm landfill to address environmental health concerns,” he said.
He added that continued engagement, accountability and transparency are critical in improving service delivery.
“It is very important. Strong engagement, accountability and transparency are essential for effective service delivery and sustainable development,” he said.
Masvingo and Service Delivery Residents and Ratepayers Association (MASDRRA) Secretary General Moses Kwangwari Mavhusa said the recognition should be viewed as an achievement for the entire city, adding that improvements in refuse collection, road maintenance and water supply were becoming evident.
“As MASDRRA, we are very proud to be in the top five nationally. It’s not the Town Clerk’s personal achievement. It’s our city’s achievement through teamwork,” said Mavhusa.
Mavhusa cited the rehabilitation of McGhee Street, adherence to refuse collection schedules and consistent water supplies from Bushmead Water Works as signs of progress.
“We have seen improvements in service delivery in refuse collection and road maintenance. The roads within the city are being repaired, notably in Rhodene McGhee street was repaired by council in conjunction with Junior Group of Schools, and also the Bushmead water works have consistently supplied tap water,” he said.
He also urged the city to complete the water augmentation project to meet growing demand, particularly with the planned development of Rujeko D suburb.
“The City must improve on City water demand through completion of the water augmentation project, taking into cognizance that there’s the Rujeko D residential area to be introduced soon it means an additional water demand on the already suppressed output,” he said.
Ward 4 resident George Mudukuti, who is the Chairman of Schools Development Committee (SDC) at council-run Runyararo Primary School, said the national recognition reflected the progress that residents were witnessing through infrastructure development across the city.
“It means a lot. It shows great work being done on the ground. Everywhere in Masvingo town you can see great infrastructure development from sports facilities, bridges, drainage and city council schools development. It shows we have the right man for the job,” said Mudukuti.
Mudukuti said he hoped for continued investment in sporting facilities that would help curb drug and substance abuse among young people while contributing to the city’s development.
