Moffat Mungazi
Lovemore Kadzura
Post Reporter
RUSAPE Town Council has rekindled its ambition to become a municipality and has submitted its third application in the last 15 years.
The council is confident that this time, it will meet the requirements. To attain municipal status in Zimbabwe, a town council must demonstrate significant growth, development, and improved service delivery.
Government, through the Ministry of Local Government and Local Government, considers factors such as population growth, economic expansion, and infrastructure development when evaluating a town council’s application for municipal status.
The applicant town council must show significant improvements in service delivery, including water supply, sanitation, roads, and waste management; demonstrate financial stability, with a strong revenue base and effective financial management systems; exhibit good governance practices, including transparency, accountability, and effective leadership; must have invested in significant infrastructure development, including roads, bridges, gold courses, plant and equipment and public buildings as well as experiencing significant population growth, indicating economic expansion and development.
Local Government and Local Government Minister, Honourable Daniel Garwe has since set a commission to consider Rusape Town Council’s request. The commission is chaired by Ms Sikhululukele Thabethe, and comprises members Mr Lickel Sebele, Mr Kelvin Mawoyo, and Mrs Gugulethu Ncube, who serves as the commission’s secretary.
A notice by Rusape Town Secretary Mr Solomon Gabaza is inviting stakeholders to make submissions to the commission before January 24, 2025. This move is aimed at upgrading Rusape Town Council to a municipality, which will comprise 10 wards. As stated in the notice, this intention is in line with Subsection 14 of the Urban Councils Act (Chapter 29:15).
The Urban Councils Act provides the framework for the establishment of municipalities and towns, as well as the administration of these local government areas.
Specifically, Section 14 of the Act empowers the President to establish municipalities and towns, which is the basis for the proposed upgrade of Rusape Town Council.
“Notice is here by given in terms of Subsection 14 of the Urban Councils Act (Chapter 29:15) that it is intended to recommend to the President that he exercises the powers conferred on him in terms of Section 14 of the Urban Councils Act to establish Municipality of Rusape from a Town Council and will be made up of 10 wards. Maps and reports relating to to these proposals are available for inspection free of charge at the offices of the Secretary of Local Government and Public Works and Secretary, Rusape Town Council,” it reads in part.
RTC is making another bid for municipal status after a previous unsuccessful attempt. On its last try, the town fell short due to a lack of key services. However, according to town planner Mr Blessing Kwambana, significant progress has been made. “We now have every aspect in place that is required for an upgrade,” Mr Kwambana said in an interview.
He cited improved investments and economic activity, new sporting and recreational facilities, and the availability of municipal services as key factors that have bolstered their confidence in applying for a higher status.
“We believe we now meet all the requirements for municipal status, as stated in the Urban Councils’ Act. We have attracted significant investments in manufacturing, retail, commerce, finance, and services over the years.
Decentralisation of tobacco auction floors has boosted business activity, with more money circulating and downstream industries emerging. Tobacco merchants have set up floors in Rusape to cater to local growers, making our town a tobacco hub.
Companies like Delta Beverages are establishing manufacturing operations, including a multi-million-dollar plant at Tsanzaguru Industrial Park. Urban renewal is underway in the central business district, with private developers constructing modern buildings, transforming the town’s landscape. The council is also building a four-story building in the CBD,” said Mr Kwambana.
He said the town’s transport sector is indeed well-developed, thanks to its strategic location on the Beira Corridor, which provides both road and rail links. This positioning also makes it a crucial link to various centres.
“Our town boasts excellent transportation links, being strategically located on the Beira Corridor, which provides both road and rail connections. We serve as a crucial link to numerous centres. Notably, we have witnessed significant growth in recreational areas, particularly around Lake Rusape, where a functional boating club and various investments are emerging along the dam.
“The council is developing a park between Old Magamba and Magamba Extension, as well as a nature park between Mabvazuwa and Old Magamba. Our sporting facilities are also top-notch, featuring Vengere Stadium, which has hosted Premier League matches since 2015, alongside all-weather sporting facilities. Furthermore, we have reserved spaces for three new hotels and are actively seeking investors early this year. Additionally, land has been allocated for a golf course along the dam,” said Mr. Kwambana.
Rusape was accorded town status in 1992, following the merger of Makoni, Tsungwesi, and Macheke rural councils. The town comprises 10 wards, spanning 1,050 hectares of land.
Rusape boasts an array of tourism facilities, including Lake Rusape, Makoni District Heroes Acre, which hosts the Butcher site, Diana’s Vow, and Zvipadze Bushmen rock paintings, which enhance the town’s profile. With a population of 40 000 residents, Rusape continues to grow and develop.
Rusape Concerned Residents Trust chairman, Mr Godfrey Mufuranhewe expressed residents’ unanimous support for the town’s upgrade to municipal status.
“The upgrading of our town is welcome news for residents and ratepayers, as it will increase property and business values. We’re seeing improved infrastructure, reliable municipal services, and modern structures emerging. The road network is also being upgraded from gravel to tar,” said Mr Mufuranhewe.
