Maphisa has outlived its growth point status: Residents
Thandeka Matebesi
Maphisa residents in Matobo District are advocating for the Growth Point to be awarded town status.
Speaking to this publication, Matobo Youth Development Initiative (MYDI) Director, Descent Dube said Maphisa has grown in similtude to Binga and Tsholotsho which was recently awarded town status.
“Maphisa has outlived its Growth Point status and now deserves to be awarded town status. St Joseph’s Business Centre alone, has grown to levels befitting a growth point. It would be progressive for authorities to apply for town status for Maphisa as this would mean decentralisation of government and local authority offices.”
“Matobo has witnessed significant development in most wards which in most cases can be attributed to diaspora community investment. The investment by the diaspora community follows the uncertainty surrounding the Zimbabwean permit situation in the neighbouring South Africa. Council has also been proactive in development projects such as clinics with help from partners such as World Vision. Such developments strengthened the case for town status to attract further investment into the district,” said Dube.
Dube lamented the lack of basic services in the district such as a passport office. He said, “We do not have a passport office in Matobo District and a town status will make it easier to advocate for such developments.”
He also urged the local authority to engage communities so that they understand the benefits of the change in status.
“The local authority should therefore start engaging the communities to minimise resistance from the communities. There is a possibility that there will be expansion due to the growth of Maphisa and other centres which will definitely affect residents,” he said.
Maphisa Area Residents Committee member Mavuso Tshabalala expressed the view that a town status would enable expansion of residential suburbs and also increase revenue for the local authority.
“A town status would be an honour to the residents of Maphisa. The infrastructure that may be constructed will improve increase the value of the area. Improvements in terms of service delivery on water, sewer and electricity. Thereby increasing revenue collection,” said Tshabalala.
Tshabalala revealed that residents have submitted their petition to the local authority.
“As residents we have indicated to the council that our objective is to ensure that Maphisa attains town status.We also highlighted that the disadvantage we have as a growth point is that even when funds are allocated, central government considers the RDC which has too many obligations which in turn makes it difficult to prioritise town issues,” he said.
Matobo Rural District Council Chief Executive Officer Me Elvis Sibanda could not be drawn to comment on the issues raised by residents as he did not answer interview questions left for him.
