BY NALEDI DUBE
Zaka Rural District Council (RDC) has intensified efforts to improve infrastructure, healthcare, housing and business opportunities as part of its broader strategy to drive socio-economic development across the district.
Speaking on the council’s development priorities, Zaka Rural District Council Chairperson Fungai Maregedze said the local authority is committed to ensuring that communities benefit from tangible development projects.
“We are working towards the completion of two clinics under the Devolution Fund programme. These include Chinyazvivi Clinic in Zaka North under Chief Nyakunhuwa and Tovane Clinic in Zaka Central under Chief Nhema. Access to healthcare is a basic right and these facilities will help bring services closer to our people,” said Maregedze.
The Chairperson said road infrastructure remains a key priority following extensive damage caused by heavy rains during the last rainy season.
“Our roads were severely damaged by rains and some bridges were destroyed. We are now mobilising resources to re-gravel roads and rebuild affected bridges so that communities can travel safely and transport their goods without challenges,” she said.
Maregedze added that the council intends to strengthen service delivery through the acquisition of vehicles for its workforce.
“We want our departments to operate efficiently. Procuring vehicles for council workers will improve mobility and enable us to respond more effectively to the needs of residents across the district.”
On housing development, the Chairperson said council is servicing residential stands to address accommodation needs while promoting orderly urban growth.
“We are servicing housing stands to ensure that our people have access to decent accommodation. At Musiso Hospital, we are developing 400 stands and we expect this project to contribute significantly to local development,” she said.
Maregedze also highlighted plans to develop 86 stands at Eastville Township.
“Eastville presents huge opportunities for growth. Land has been set aside for churches, schools and light industries. We are inviting investors and business people to come and invest in Zaka because there is great potential for economic growth.”
She said the rehabilitation of the Jerera Growth Point bus terminus was part of efforts to improve public infrastructure.
“We have rehabilitated the Jerera terminus to provide a better environment for transport operators and commuters. This is part of our broader vision of modernising service centres within the district.”
The council is also upgrading market facilities to improve trading conditions for vendors.
“We are rehabilitating our markets and creating designated sections for different types of businesses. Hardware traders and clothing vendors, for example, will operate from separate sections. This will create a cleaner, more organised and conducive working environment.”
Maregedze said the projects demonstrate the council’s commitment to transforming Zaka through improved infrastructure, investment promotion and enhanced service delivery.
“Our vision is to build a modern district with quality services, improved infrastructure and increased economic opportunities for all residents. Development is a collective responsibility and we encourage all stakeholders to work with us in achieving this goal,” she said.