BY Lomqhele Nxumalo
In a significant move toward urban sustainability, the City of Victoria Falls has officially commissioned two major water reservoirs and added two refuse collection trucks, marking a decisive step in resolving long-standing utility challenges for the resort city.
The infrastructure was officially handed over on Wednesday by the Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Daniel Garwe, who lauded the local authority for its proactive approach to service delivery.
The centerpieces of the commissioning were two massive reservoirs. A 5 mega litre ground tank and a 0,75 mega litre elevated tank. This new infrastructure is set to stabilize water pressure and supply for over 25,000 residents, particularly those in the Mkhosana suburb who have previously faced inconsistent service.
The project, which cost approximately US$5 million, was notably funded through the City’s internal resources. According to council reports, the funds were generated from the strategic sale of land to Eagle Heights Reinsurance, a move Minister Garwe described as a reflection of “improved planning and commitment.”
In addition to the water works, the City’s sanitation department received a boost with the commissioning of two refuse collection trucks. While the City procured one vehicle through its own budget, the second was a donation from African Sun Limited. Minister Garwe urged other local authorities to emulate this model of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs). “Such partnerships are vital to strengthen urban infrastructure and efficiency across the nation,” he noted during the unveiling of the plaque.
The commissioning ceremony was attended by several prominent figures. Minister Daniel Garwe was joined by His Worship, the Mayor Cllr P T Moyo, and Deputy Mayor Cllr L Nyoni, representing the city’s leadership. Also in attendance were Town Clerk Mr. R Dube and Chief Mvuthu, highlighting the collaboration between administrative and traditional leadership. The delegation also included technical experts, and representatives from the business community, all of whom gathered to witness the official unveiling of the plaque at the Mkhosana Reservoirs.
The project is more than just a local fix; it aligns with Zimbabwe’s broader National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) and the national goal of achieving an upper-middle-income society by 2030.
Prior to the official ceremony, officials conducted a final inspection of the works, confirming that the system which includes a critical pipeline to reduce city-wide water demands has already been under successful testing for over a month.
With these state-of-the-art facilities now fully operational, Victoria Falls continues to position itself as a premier destination capital supported by quality, reliable infrastructure.
