Gweru to ease ratepayers plight

GWERU City Council is seeking partnerships that will help kick-start their various business
enterprises so that the city does not depend heavily on rates and grants to provide service delivery.
Speaking during a 2024 Pre-budget meeting, Rodwell Musiwa, the city’s economic and business
development manager said Gweru has faced financial challenges as ratepayers fail to meet their
obligations to council.
Musiwa said as a way of mitigating the financial challenges, the local authority has come up with a
business development committee that is responsible for development and investment promotion in
the city.
“Due to economic hardships, residents have been failing to consistently meet council obligations.
There also has been poor disbursement of grants by central government, which has immensely
contributed to inconsistent and unreliable service delivery by council,” he said.
Musiwa said proposed business ventures include the City of Gweru quarry mine, Clonsila Truck Stop,
Water bottling plant, waste to energy project, solar farm, Go Beer Breweries and garment
manufacturing among others.
“The quarry mine is still undeveloped and an estimated US$2,5 million is required to commence the
project. Potential partners have since submitted their proposals which are currently being reviewed
by the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency and following due process,” he said.
He said implementation and development of the Clonsila Truck Stop, which will have food and
refreshment facilities, has commenced.
The project, he said is moving at a slower pace due to a number of challenges.
“Activities which are in dire need of funding are ablution facilities and shower rooms, canteen and
tower lights,” he said.
The water bottling plant has not commenced due to lack of funding, with US$19 000 required for its
supply and commissioning.
Musiwa said Gweru was looking for partners for a waste to energy project which has potential to
boost council revenue through production of biogas, organic fertiliser and electricity.
Feasibility studies are currently underway to establish whether it is profitable for council to have its
own garment production unit compared to outsourcing.
“This has been initiated due to a significant budgetary component being channelled towards
procurement of protective clothing, uniforms for municipal police and fire as well as corporate
wear,” he said.
Council is currently reaping huge rewards from partnerships it entered with City Park and Bentach
Resources, which renovated and is using Kudzanayi Bus Terminus.