By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
Ward 4 Councilor Emmanuel Takutaku says the desilting of Wamlala River has been identified as the community’s top priority following recent budget consultations, amid fears of flooding in low-lying areas.
Speaking to Ziyah News Network, Cllr Takutaku said residents had raised several key issues during the engagement process, with desilting of the Wamlala River topping the list.
Other priorities include the installation of prepaid water meters, the complete overhaul of old sewer pipes, solar street lighting funded through the ward retention fund, completion of the local rank, construction of stormwater drains, tarring of the rank–Shuleshule Road, and the purchase of earth-moving machinery such as a grader, dozer, roller, tipper, and TLB.
“Much worry is on the desilting of Wamlala River due to the danger it poses to those who live downstream, especially around the Dulibadzimu Police Base, where there are fears of flooding,” he said.
He said the council was expediting repairs to its TLB machine so that work on the river could begin before the rainy season.
“According to our technocrats, the work will need at least three weeks to complete once the TLB is fully repaired. I am working flat out in liaison with the Town Clerk to make sure desilting starts soon,” he said.
Takutaku also urged residents to pay their rates on time to enable the municipality to deliver on the proposed budget projects.
“We also plan to engage the government so that, instead of releasing devolution funds in cash, it can directly purchase the yellow machinery on our behalf since these items are already on our proposed budget list,” he said.
The budget consultations form part of the local authority’s efforts to align development priorities with community needs in Ward 4 and across Beitbridge Municipality.