Thupeyo Muleya, Beitbridge Bureau
THE government has released $5.2 million to the Municipality of Beitbridge which will be used to fund devolution related projects to enhance service delivery in the country’s fastest-growing urban settlements.
Town Clerk Loud Ramakgapola yesterday said the money will be used to procure roads servicing and maintenance equipment.
He said part of the funds will also be spent on improving how the town handles its solid waste management initiatives.
Beitbridge residents and businesses are reportedly producing an estimated 1000 tonnes of solid waste monthly and the local authority is currently collecting between 700 and 800 tonnes.
“Recently we received $5,287 million from central Government under the Devolution concept and our focus this year is on equipment and we want to procure roads equipment given the greater part of our roads are gravel,” said Ramakgapola.
“We also intend to look for a jetting machine to address our sewer problems.
“In 2019 we used our allocations in procuring a Tractor Loader Backhoe (TLB) and a refuse compactor, which are pending delivery.
“It is very critical that we procure some of these equipment for us to improve our current capacity to offer quality services to the ratepayers”.
He said among other initiatives they were planning to procure a Tipper, Compressor, Bowser, and Fire Tender in the next two years.
The official said some capital projects were being implemented in piecemeal.
The government has made tremendous strides in transforming Beitbridge from a growth-point to a Rural District Council, Town (2006) and Municipality (2018).
Further, the district’s population has been growing rapidly in the last decade due to its geographical location and proximity to SADC and Africa’s economic powerhouse, South Africa.
The district’s population is estimated to stand at around 250 000, which is 70 000 in urban and 165 0000 rural components respectively and a further 15 000 transiting the town daily.
– HMETRO
