By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
Beitbridge Rural District Council (RDC) has equipped its 20 councillors with new motorbikes to improve accessibility and engagement with communities across its 15 wards, in a move hailed by the Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Hon. Daniel Garwe, as a step towards meeting the country’s Minimum Service Delivery Standards.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, Acting RDC Chief Executive Officer Peter Ncube said the motorbikes were procured through a loan facility authorised by the ministry, with councillors servicing the repayments from their monthly allowances.
“Our district is vast, with sparsely located communities and some wards stretching over 30 kilometres,” Ncube said.
“This tool of trade will ensure councillors can reach all communities, engage them effectively, and incorporate their input into council decisions.”
He explained that the council’s operations are anchored on the Whole-of-Government approach, drawing technical expertise from line ministries and agencies to fulfil its service delivery mandate.
The RDC has reoriented its operations to focus on achieving the Minimum Service Delivery Standards, supported by the Ministry through inductions and refresher courses for both councillors and senior management.
Ncube said the council’s development work is guided by Vision 2030 and the motto “Leaving No Place and No One Behind.” To improve accessibility and efficiency, the RDC has established four sub-offices across the district.
While progress is being made, challenges remain including non-payment of taxes, illegal land parcelling by some village heads, inadequate road construction equipment, and the need for timely disbursement of devolution funds.
Ncube also called for a portion of revenue collected at the Beitbridge border to be allocated to the RDC to mitigate the costs of cross-border activities.
Hon. Garwe applauded the council for its proactive approach, urging them to uphold service delivery in line with the Minimum Service Delivery Standard Framework, launched by President Emmerson Mnangagwa under the banner “A Call to Action: No Compromise to Service Delivery.”
He said the framework lays the groundwork for transforming council operations nationwide as Zimbabwe accelerates towards Vision 2030.
“Beitbridge RDC is showing that with commitment and proper planning, service delivery in rural areas can match national standards,” Garwe said.