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.

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 officially launched its Service Delivery Charter, marking a key milestone in its commitment to transparent, accountable, and people-centred governance.

The launch event, held at the Civic Centre Offices, Town Hall on the 5^th of August 2025, was graced by senior government officials, councillors, council management, and stakeholders. The Charter outlines clear service standards, turnaround times, and the rights and responsibilities of both the local authority and residents.

In his address, His Worship the Mayor, Cllr Aleck Tabe emphasized that the Charter is a living document that will guide improved performance and foster trust between the local authority and its citizens.

In his official launch address, the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Hon. Ezra Chadzamira ably represented by the Provincial Director Economic Affairs, Mr Clever Chingwara commended City of Masvingo for leading by example and urged all local authorities across the province to follow suit by adopting and operationalising similar charters.

The Charter aligns with the national devolution agenda and Vision 2030, focusing on enhanced service delivery in areas such as water supply, waste management, infrastructure, and citizen engagement.

Representatives from the two residents associations which were present, MURRA and MASDRA also commended City of Masvingo for being a citizen-centred Council and emphasised on their mantra, ‘We pay, You deliver’

The Town Clerk, Eng Edward Mukaratiwa called on all residents to familiarise themselves with the Charter and hold the local authority accountable to the standards set.

The City of Masvingo convened a key workshop on the Voluntary Local Review (VLR) of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on the 10^th of June 2025, bringing together stakeholders to assess local progress and strengthen community-led development.

Held in the Civic Centre Town Hall, the workshop focused on aligning Council policies, strategic plan and service delivery with the SDGs, promoting transparency, accountability, and inclusive participation.

The VLR process allows Council to reflect on the current status, celebrate progress, and identify areas needing urgent attention (gaps).

Key Focus Areas Included:

– Localizing the SDGs into council programs  

– Data collection and reporting at the community level  

– Promoting inclusive planning and service delivery  

– Strengthening partnerships for sustainable development

Stakeholders from civil society, government agencies, and community groups shared insights and contributed to drafting the Council’s first VLR report.

The initiative reaffirms the City of Masvingo’s commitment to sustainable urban development and empowering communities through data-driven decision-making.

The City of Masvingo has commenced a critical Service Delivery Charter Review exercise aimed at strengthening Council’s commitment to accountable, transparent, and stakeholder-focused governance.

The exercise brings together councillors, key Council officials, community representatives, and stakeholders to assess the effectiveness of the current charter and propose updates that reflect emerging service delivery needs and national standards.

This review allows for alignment of service commitments with practical realities, stakeholder expectations, and the Council performance management framework.

Review Focus Areas:

– Evaluation of current service standards and delivery timelines  

– Identification of service gaps and bottlenecks  

– Integration of stakeholder feedback and complaint mechanisms  

– Alignment with national minimum service delivery standards  

– Development of action plans for implementation and monitoring.

The updated charter is expected to improve communication between Council and its stakeholders to ensure service quality, and enhance public trust.

The review process is scheduled to conclude with a public validation session to ensure inclusivity and community ownership.