Gvt unveils landmark water and sanitation upgrades in Vic Falls

Itai Mazire

The resort city of Victoria Falls yesterday marked a pivotal moment in its urban development, as the Government officially commissioned significant new water storage infrastructure and refuse collection equipment.

This strategic investment shows a robust commitment to enhancing service delivery and improving the quality of life for its residents.

Presiding over the ceremony, Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Hon. Daniel Garwe, unveiled a state-of-the-art 5 000 cubic meter (5 Mega Litres) ground water reservoir and a 750 cubic meter (0.75 Mega Litres) elevated reservoir.

Complementing these vital water assets were two new refuse collection trucks, signaling a comprehensive approach to urban infrastructure improvement.

The newly commissioned water infrastructure, a substantial investment of approximately USD 5 million, represents the crucial first phase of the city’s ambitious USD 18 million Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Programme.

This project is poised to dramatically boost water storage capacity, ensuring a more consistent and reliable supply for an estimated 25 000 residents.

During his address, Hon. Garwe articulated the broader significance of these developments, stating that they transcend mere physical construction to embody a profound advancement in service delivery and Zimbabwe’s national development trajectory.

“Development does not always announce itself through grand monuments. Sometimes it is reflected in the simple, everyday realities, the turning of a tap or the cleanliness of our streets,” said Hon. Garwe.

He acknowledged the historical challenges faced by Victoria Falls residents, including intermittent water supply exacerbated by limited storage capacity and a growing population.

He emphasised that the new infrastructure serves as a decisive intervention to rectify these long-standing issues, highlighting the indispensable role of reliable water supply in fostering public health, stimulating economic activity, and bolstering tourism, especially for a city renowned globally for its natural wonders.

In a further boost to urban services, the City of Victoria Falls also introduced two new refuse collection trucks to fortify its solid waste management capabilities.

One truck, with a 15 cubic meter capacity, was procured through the city’s own financial resources, while the other, an 18 cubic meter capacity vehicle, was generously donated by African Sun as part of its corporate social responsibility initiative.

Hon. Garwe lauded this exemplary partnership between the local authority and the private sector, presenting it as a tangible illustration of how collaborative efforts can accelerate progress.

“This partnership demonstrates that sustainable development is best achieved when Government, local authorities and the private sector work together.”

Hon. Garwe also commended the City of Victoria Falls for its prudent financial management and forward-thinking strategic planning, underscoring its unwavering commitment to enhancing service delivery and its adoption of the Minimum Service Delivery Standards Framework.

He noted that these advancements are in perfect alignment with the national vision championed by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, which champions self-reliance and inclusive development under the inspiring mantra, “Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo / Ilizwe lakhiwa ngabanikazi balo.”

Hon. Garwe further elaborated that the project significantly contributes to the nation’s overarching development agenda, including National Development Strategy 2 and Vision 2030, both aimed at transforming Zimbabwe into an upper middle-income economy.

He stressed the critical importance of maintaining elevated urban service standards in Victoria Falls, given its international tourism stature, asserting that pristine environments, dependable water supply, and modern infrastructure are fundamental to sustaining economic prosperity.

Hon. Garwe highlighted the initiative’s resonance with international development frameworks, particularly the Sustainable Development Goals focused on clean water and sustainable cities.

He said that the ultimate measure of development is reflected in the tangible improvements to citizens’ daily lives.

“Development must ultimately be seen in the quality of life of our people, when households receive reliable water, when communities are clean, and when services respond effectively.”

This commissioning marks yet another significant milestone, firmly positioning Victoria Falls as a model for sustainable urban development, driven by efficient and reliable service delivery.