Nkayi politicians urged to prioritise service delivery

Siyabonga Moyo

Residents in Nkayi South constituency are imploring candidates contesting for council and parliamentary seats to proritise improving service delivery.

Nkayi is in need of road rehabilitation, network connectivity among other key issues.Members of the public expressed concern over the state of most infrastructure and services, making Nkayi one of the least ranked districts in the whole country in terms of development. The residents say they want candidates with the zeal to implement positive strategies in improving the district.

Speaking to Community Podium, one resident from Ward 29, Praise Sibanda, noted a number of key issues that needed attention which include plans to develop a sewer system for Nkayi Growth Point that were halted in the district’s main residential area. He said elected members must ensure the rescuscitation and completion of the project.

“Our whole residential area depends on the use of septic tanks in the backyards which are not sustainable and as efficient as sewer systems. There is need for a push by elected candidates to resume the building of a sewer system here. We would also love to see members of parliament and councilors pushing for better road networks and network connectivity in our district for sustainable development,” said Sibanda.

Resource management and utilisation in the district was also pointed out as an issue that must be taken seriously by campaigning and active electoral candidates of Nkayi North and South, with more focus on the under-utilisation of timber in the district. 

Zibusiso Moyo, a natural resources activist alluded to the issue of improving resource management within local government as she highlighted the abundance of timber in Nkayi.

“The issue of natural resource management in Matabeleland North is such a sad issue for communities because they do not know the worth of their resources, take for example timber and natural gas. There should be improved management of natural resources in these areas so that the community benefits in a sustainable  way.” she said.

Sandile Mpofu, another member of the public also highlighted the need for elected candidates to pay attention be to less developed areas in the district.

“Nkayi has a lot of inaccessible areas like Mtshabi that have no direct public transport. Passengers have to travel distances of up to 7 kilometres to reach the Sivomo main road where busses ferry people. There is room for improvement in developing routes and introducing government transport facilities. At the beginning of 2023, Zimbabwe United Passengers Company (ZUPCO) established a depot in Nkayi and the public is using cheaper transport to travel to surrounding towns and cities including Kwekwe and Gweru. Elected candidates should facilitate the introduction of rural routes where there is dire need of consistent transport,” said Mpofu.

 The district faces challenges of food insecurity, child marriages, inaccessibility of health and education services as well as poor road networks among other problems.