Epworth Town Board dreams big
EPWORTH Local Board is planning to construct a town centre, erect two water tanks and install public lighting. as part of an ambitious development plan.
The local authority is also moving fast to regularise informal settlements. At least 10 000 had been regularised so far with allocation of stands for the total area now at 70 percent.
In an interview, Epworth Town Board chairperson Mr Batanai Masunda said the area was lagging behind in terms of development.
“We are identifying a place to have a town centre as currently we do not have facilities such as banks, libraries and shopping malls. The land should be between one and half hectares to two. Hopefully, the programmes willstart within a year or so.
“In terms of water supply less than 10 percent of the area is connected to piped water. Residents rely on boreholes and wells. Harare has been supplying us with water, but now we want to erect two by five-megalitre tanks which we have already given to a contractor who is working on the bill of quantities,” he said.
Mr Masunda said a public lighting programme was also underway to improve on public safety during the night.
On regularisation of settlements, Mr Masunda said: “We have regularised over 10 000 stands. In terms of allocation we have allocated 70 percent and we now in the final stages. The process should be complete within the next six months.
“Council has been taken to court by residents claiming that intended beneficiaries were sidelined. We engaged in talks which are yielding results though there are still a few complaints.”
Mr Masunda said the allocation process was slightly different from the previous council.
“In Ward 4 there is no pegging but within the next month there should be notable progress.
“We are hoping that if we have a map for Ward 4, then we start by developing the area and opening up roads. Itis our hope that those affected by the road construction will get first preference in allocation of stands,” he said.