News / National
Gwanda city status push gains momentum
18 hrs ago | Views
Gwanda's bid to attain city status by 2026 is gathering pace as modern buildings and infrastructure developments begin to redefine the skyline of the Matabeleland South provincial capital.
Once a quiet administrative centre, Gwanda is now experiencing a construction boom, with major businesses investing in sleek new buildings that are transforming the central business district and supporting the town's ambitious drive toward becoming Zimbabwe's next city.
Speaking on the developments, Gwanda Municipality Mayor Councillor Thulani Moyo expressed confidence that the town will meet all requirements to achieve city status by the end of the year.
"As a provincial capital, attaining city status is long overdue. We have set in motion all the conditions necessary to achieve it," he said. "This includes sprucing up all buildings in the CBD and ensuring that all new structures comply with modern urban planning standards."
The municipality is also working to address housing shortages, with space already set aside for the construction of flats. Mayor Moyo revealed that discussions with a local bank are underway to finance the upgrade of major infrastructure in the town, and the financial institution has shown strong interest in partnering with the local authority.
In a bid to promote order and hygiene in the growing town, the council has intensified efforts to regulate informal trading. This includes plans to construct modern vending stalls to curb the rise of night vending, which has become common in urban centres.
Meanwhile, in a show of public-private cooperation, the Gwanda Municipality has partnered with mining giant Blanket Mine to enhance waste management in the town. The collaboration is expected to improve cleanliness and environmental sustainability as the town gears up for its transition into cityhood.
The drive for city status is expected to unlock new investment opportunities, boost service delivery, and enhance Gwanda's role as a key economic hub in southern Zimbabwe.
Once a quiet administrative centre, Gwanda is now experiencing a construction boom, with major businesses investing in sleek new buildings that are transforming the central business district and supporting the town's ambitious drive toward becoming Zimbabwe's next city.
Speaking on the developments, Gwanda Municipality Mayor Councillor Thulani Moyo expressed confidence that the town will meet all requirements to achieve city status by the end of the year.
"As a provincial capital, attaining city status is long overdue. We have set in motion all the conditions necessary to achieve it," he said. "This includes sprucing up all buildings in the CBD and ensuring that all new structures comply with modern urban planning standards."
The municipality is also working to address housing shortages, with space already set aside for the construction of flats. Mayor Moyo revealed that discussions with a local bank are underway to finance the upgrade of major infrastructure in the town, and the financial institution has shown strong interest in partnering with the local authority.
In a bid to promote order and hygiene in the growing town, the council has intensified efforts to regulate informal trading. This includes plans to construct modern vending stalls to curb the rise of night vending, which has become common in urban centres.
Meanwhile, in a show of public-private cooperation, the Gwanda Municipality has partnered with mining giant Blanket Mine to enhance waste management in the town. The collaboration is expected to improve cleanliness and environmental sustainability as the town gears up for its transition into cityhood.
The drive for city status is expected to unlock new investment opportunities, boost service delivery, and enhance Gwanda's role as a key economic hub in southern Zimbabwe.
Source - zbc
