Matetsi Ward 1 residents take charge of development
By Victor Sibanda
VICTORIA FALLS – Matetsi Ward 1 in Victoria Falls is making significant strides in community development, despite the country’s economic challenges.
Ward Councillor Vulindlela Gasela revealed that the community is working together to construct roads, clinics, and schools. The councillor added that 55% of the construction work on Kalala clinic has been done and this year the clinic will be fully functioning.
One of the notable projects underway is the construction of roads to link Kalala, Ekhayalethu, and Mapaningoma.
“As villagers, we are working with partners to ensure that the areas get the best roads,” said Councillor Gasela.
“This ward has a lot of farmers, and they need good roads to ferry their produce to the markets in Victoria Falls and Hwange.”
Residents have expressed their satisfaction with the development in their area. Jimmy Dube from Breakfast praised the councillor for engaging the community and promoting self-development.
“The councillor is doing well. We have built classroom blocks for our primary schools, and we develop our roads to ensure smooth transportation of our products to markets,” said Dube.
Mavis Ncube from Mapaningoma attributed the construction of the clinic in Kalala to the councillor’s industry and commitment to self-reliance.
“Our councillor has taught us to be self-reliant. Other organisations usually help us, but we start the development ourselves,” said Ncube.
Kalala resident Ephraim Ncube shared that, “The project is improving our livelihood very much. We are farming a lot and I am happy that road networks have enabled us to transport fresh produce to markets. Schools are being built which will certainly benefit our children’s education.”
The community’s initiative is a shining example of self-driven development, and their efforts are expected to yield positive results in the coming years.
