City of Masvingo has commenced the construction of a modern truck stop facility aimed at improving the transit experience for freight operators and enhancing road safety.

The truck stop, strategically located along a major Beitbridge – Harare highway near Exor, will provide:

– Secure parking for heavy vehicles,

– Ablution facilities,

– Rest areas for drivers,

– Offices for logistics coordination,

– Basic maintenance services.

This development is part of the Council’s broader infrastructure improvement plan and is expected to ease congestion, reduce roadside parking, and support economic activity linked to transportation and logistics. The project also creates local employment and contributes to improved service delivery.

The City of Masvingo has introduced youth-friendly clinics as part of its efforts to provide essential services and support to the community.

City’s Health Services Department today had an engagement with adolescents at Mucheke Hall, aiming at identifying their needs and priorities and to educate them on drug and substance abuse as well as sexual reproductive health.

Youth friendly clinics are expected to equip the youth with knowledge on access to healthcare, education, and social services.

This initiative reflects the council’s broader mission to promote education, healthcare, and social welfare programs in the city.

The City of Masvingo is pleased to report steady progress on the construction of the new maternity ward at Runyararo Clinic, aimed at improving maternal and child health services. The project, which began two months back, has now reached 75% physical completion.

Progress Highlights:

– Foundation and structural works are almost complete.

Upon completion, the facility will include:

– Fully equipped delivery rooms

– Postnatal and antenatal wards

– Sanitation facilities

This project demonstrates Council’s commitment to accessible and quality healthcare. The maternity ward is expected to be completed and operational by year end.

Further updates will be shared as the project progresses.

The City of Masvingo is proudly participating in the Diaspora Trade and Investment Indaba at Haytt Regency Hotel in Harare, showcasing a range of strategic investment opportunities available within the city.

Led by the City’s Economic Development Office, the delegation engaged with diasporans eager to contribute to national development and explored avenues for investment in real estate, tourism, infrastructure, and smart city innovations.

During the indaba, Masvingo positioned itself as a growing urban economy with investor-friendly policies, readily available commercial and industrial land, and a clear development vision underpinned by its Master Plan and local economic development strategy.

Speaking on the sidelines of the event, the City’s Economic Development Officer, Mr Godfrey Mutsiveri, emphasized the critical role of diasporans in building sustainable urban economies; ‘Masvingo is open for business. We are inviting our brothers and sisters abroad to be part of the city’s transformation story at the new central business district through investment partnerships that create jobs and uplift livelihoods,’ he said.

The City of Masvingo used the platform to strengthen networks, share investment literature, and engage in one-on-one discussions with potential investors. The indaba reaffirmed Council’s commitment to inclusive development and to unlocking diaspora potential in driving local economic growth.

His Worship the Mayor, Cllr Aleck Tabe, Director Health Services, Ms Suzanne Hazel Madamombe and Ministry of Local Government and Public Works official, Mr David Maurikira recently undertook an official visit to Middlesbrough, Council’s twinning city in the United Kingdom.

The visit aimed to strengthen cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including urban governance, environmental management, youth empowerment, and infrastructure development.

City of Masvingo delegation made a courtesy visit to the Ambassador in Uk, Colonel( Retired) Christian Katsande. They also had a pleasure to meet Councillor John Kabuye (labor) Newport ward and Councillor Janet Thompson ( labor) Ayresome ward council representatives for the Middlesbrough City Council accompanied by Middlesbrough City Alliance coordinators

During the visit, the Mayor met with Middlesbrough civic leaders, toured key municipal facilities, and engaged with Zimbabwean diaspora communities. The exchange provided a platform for sharing best practices and exploring new opportunities in education, culture, and local economic development.

The Mayor expressed appreciation for the hospitality extended and emphasized the value of international partnerships in enhancing local service delivery and promoting sustainable development.

The two cities reaffirmed their commitment to ongoing collaboration under the twinning agreement.

The City of Masvingo and City of Mutare are currently holding a joint capacity building workshop under the facilitation and funding of GIZ and EU. The 3-day workshop held as part of the Good Governance in Local Authorities (GGLA) project aims to strengthen the local authorities’ public financial management systems.

It is envisaged that this will enhance transparency, accountability, and efficient use of resources. The workshop is focused on offering councillors and non-financial managers with basic skills and understanding on budgeting, financial reporting, internal controls, and citizen engagement in fiscal matters.

The workshop which is primarily participatory is also providing a platform for peer learning and sharing of best practices in local government finance.

Topics to be covered include budgeting and revenue collection, programme-based budgeting, enhancing public financial management, stakeholders and their role in public financial management, importance of the committee system in public financial management, revenue collection and management, and analysis and understanding of financial reports.

Public Financial Management is one of the critical pillars in improving service delivery identified by the local authorities which GIZ through the GGLA project will be facilitating. In his opening remarks, City of Masvingo Deputy Mayor, Cllr. Daniel Mberikunashe expressed appreciation for the capacity-building initiative, which supports improved service delivery and good governance.

In a move meant to strengthen animal welfare and public health, the City of Masvingo has donated a vehicle to Masvingo SPCA to support control and management of stray animals (dogs) within the community.

The vehicle will be used for rescuing, transporting, and responding to animal-related emergencies.

This partnership reinforces the commitment to humane stray animal handling and reducing risks associated with roaming animals.

Deputy Mayor, Cllr Daniel Mberikunashe and the Chamber Secretary, Mr Vitalis Shonhai during the handover ceremony commended Mavingo SPCA for its role in promoting responsible pet ownership in the City and pledged continued collaboration on animal control initiatives.

The City of Masvingo SMEs Indaba and Expo has officially concluded after a dynamic showcase of innovation, entrepreneurship, and collaboration.

Over the course of the event, local SMEs exhibited their products and services, networked with potential partners, and engaged in insightful discussions on growth, formalisation, and sustainability.

Council extends heartfelt thanks to all participants, exhibitors, and partners for making the event a success. Together, we continue building a thriving local economy driven by empowered entrepreneurs.

In support of the national environmental clean-up efforts, the City of Masvingo has embarked on a comprehensive clean-up exercise across 3 wards.

Clean-up campaign aims to promote a cleaner, healthier, and safer environment for residents.

The initiative targets illegal dumpsites, overgrown areas, blocked drains, and litter-prone zones.

Councilors, Management, Council employees, business community, residents, community groups, and stakeholders actively participated.

Council encourages all citizens to play their part by maintaining cleanliness, properly disposing of waste, and avoiding littering.

“Together, we can build a clean and sustainable city”

City of Masvingo’s Drug and Substance Abuse Committee held a strategic meeting on the 26th of June, aimed at intensifying the fight against rising tide of drug and substance abuse within the city.

The meeting which also aimed at strengthening community response, brought together key stakeholders from government departments, local health institutions, ZRP, community-based organizations and educational institutions.

The meeting focused on reviewing progress made in implementing the City’s drug and substance abuse response strategy, aligning with the national drug master plan.

Issues raised include, the current trends in drug use, emerging hotspots, and coordinated intervention mechanisms.

Key highlights from the meeting included:

Mapping of high-risk areas

Youth engagement and awareness campaigns

Council reaffirmes its commitment to continue working collaboratively, leveraging both local and national resources to ensure Masvingo remains a safe, healthy, and resilient city.