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Army requests BCC equipment for Uhuru construction works
2 hrs ago |
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The Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) have approached the Bulawayo City Council for construction equipment to support infrastructure development in Maphisa, Matabeleland South, ahead of this year's Independence Day celebrations.
The celebrations are set to be held in Maphisa, a location of historical significance due to its connection to the Gukurahundi events of the 1980s. According to council minutes, the ZDF requested the use of a front-end loader and compressor at Imbizo Barracks on February 24 and 25. The equipment was intended to assist in loading quarry stones onto a 30-tonne truck for transport to Maphisa, where rehabilitation work is underway.
Although the council indicated that the front-end loader was out of order due to worn tyres, ZDF inspected the equipment and proceeded to take it to the barracks. The council later resolved to grant authority for the deployment, subject to logistical feasibility, noting that the support was critical for timely preparation of infrastructure for the national event.
This request follows earlier engagements in which the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works sought contributions from the council to support preparations for the celebrations. In January, the ministry requested donations including livestock, mealie-meal, and cooking oil to assist personnel working at the site. The appeal was made through a letter from Permanent Secretary John Basera, who emphasised the importance of local authority participation in national programmes.
Despite concerns raised by some councillors regarding the financial burden on ratepayers, the council agreed to support the initiative, citing the importance of fostering strong relations with central government.
Bulawayo Mayor David Coltart raised concerns about the condition of the road leading to Maphisa, though the town clerk expressed confidence that the infrastructure project would be completed on schedule, referencing the rapid completion of similar works in previous national events.
The developments highlight ongoing coordination between local authorities and central government in preparing for national celebrations, while also raising questions about resource allocation and service delivery responsibilities.
The celebrations are set to be held in Maphisa, a location of historical significance due to its connection to the Gukurahundi events of the 1980s. According to council minutes, the ZDF requested the use of a front-end loader and compressor at Imbizo Barracks on February 24 and 25. The equipment was intended to assist in loading quarry stones onto a 30-tonne truck for transport to Maphisa, where rehabilitation work is underway.
Although the council indicated that the front-end loader was out of order due to worn tyres, ZDF inspected the equipment and proceeded to take it to the barracks. The council later resolved to grant authority for the deployment, subject to logistical feasibility, noting that the support was critical for timely preparation of infrastructure for the national event.
Despite concerns raised by some councillors regarding the financial burden on ratepayers, the council agreed to support the initiative, citing the importance of fostering strong relations with central government.
Bulawayo Mayor David Coltart raised concerns about the condition of the road leading to Maphisa, though the town clerk expressed confidence that the infrastructure project would be completed on schedule, referencing the rapid completion of similar works in previous national events.
The developments highlight ongoing coordination between local authorities and central government in preparing for national celebrations, while also raising questions about resource allocation and service delivery responsibilities.
Source - Southern Eye
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