By Rex Mphisa
THE Beitbridge Mayor Councillor Peter Mafuta has apologised for his local authority’s poor service delivery and the continued closure of Wamlala Road and a host of other projects.
In a communique dated October 2, 2025, Pirato started by apologising for his late update to ratepayers, a feat he said was due to circumstances beyond control and the desire to report back objectively.
“Let me start by apologising for the late update. It was due to circumstances beyond our control and also a desire to report back objectively,” he said.
On the Wamlala Road he said the contractor was waiting for payment from the Zimbabwe National Roads Administration (Zinara) before starting work which had since been done.
The road which reduces pressure from the two roads leading from Dulivhadzimu Stadium via the roundabout and the other through the Bus Terminus and Mfelandawonye has been closed for long and residents concerns were deafeaning.
“The Wamlala road contractor was waiting for payment from Zinara. The payment has since been processed. We hope that by next week, he will be back on the ground.,” said Pirato.
The Bus Rank, he said, is slowly progressing and council had secured material including G-blocks for surfacing now on site.
“We had transport challenges, and His Worship, the Mayor, (himself) and other residents pitched in with trucks to carry the bricks to the site, and we are grateful for the concerted effort. Work has started in earnest, and the Mayor visits the site every day to check on progress and help resolve glitches,” he said.
The council is also making efforts to clear arrears owed to workers of their USD component this month, and the intention is to clear the backlog before the end of December.
The municipality is currently doing drainage cleaning and pothole patching of its roads and recently employed a technician (Roads) hoping the would be progress.
Beitbridge has very poor roads and most had been created Donkey carts and trucks carrying building material to its sprawling suburbs.
Pirato said his town was experiencing lots of sewer blockages of late and teams were on the ground to address the situation.
“As previously highlighted, the Office of the Mayor believes we should explore other options in our drive to clear the sewer backlog and in that regard, the relevant senior management has been tasked to look into this and provide possible alternative interventions.”
Pirato said the water problems that haunted the local authority for years were cleared and the situation was “stable”. He however appeal to residents honour all financial obligations to the municipality.
“As the year winds down, we will soon be starting the budget consultations. I appeal to all of us to participate fully in this. We are fully committed to listening and taking on board both criticisms and suggestions. Please constantly liaise with your Councilors for the dates of these consultative meetings.,” said Pirato.
Beitbridge residents have been reluctant attending budget consultations saying most of their proposals remained on paper.
Pirato also appealed to residents to guard against the drug scourge.
“May I also appeal to all residents to work towards keeping Beitbridge clean from drugs and litter. May we join initiatives to manage these challenges and let’s be on the lookout for publicity posters announcing these initiatives,” he said.