The City this Wednesday commissioned a US$5 million Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (Wash) project comprising ground and elevated water reservoirs.
Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe presided over the commissioning of the 5-megalitre ground reservoir and a 0.75-megalitre elevated tank—a milestone symbol of investment under a broader US$18 million Wash programme, as well as two refuse trucks that added to the fleet.
Minister of Local Government and Public Works Hon D Garwe
This marks a defining milestone in the journey towards a modern, resilient and sustainable Victoria Falls as the infrastructure is a clear demonstration of the City’s vision, commitment and responsible stewardship of public resources.
For too long, Victoria Falls residents endured the burden of water scarcity because of lack of storage facilities.
Wednesday marked a turning point- from dry taps to reliable water delivery.
After disposing of stand 8300, Council invested the money into construction of the two reservoirs which have arguably changed the ambience of the City, whose population is over 35 000.
Minister Garwe said the event marks a significant milestone in the City’s efforts to strengthen service delivery and improve the quality of life for residents.
“The infrastructure we are commissioning today is not merely a set of structures and vehicles, it is a clear demonstration of vision, commitment and responsible stewardship of public resources.
“The reservoirs represent a major investment valued at approximately US$5 million including associated works, forming the first phase of the City’s broader US$18 million multi-phase Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Programme.
“As Government we are excited that these reservoirs will ensure improved reliability and sustainable access to safe water for an estimated population of about 25,000 residents who for long had endured persistent water shortages due to inadequate storage capacity and rapid population growth.
“Equally significant, the two refuse trucks represent a very important boost to the City’s solid waste management capacity. This gesture is a shining example of the sound partnerships that can be forged between local authorities and the private sector for the benefit of our communities,” said the Minister.
He commended the City for the strategic foresight demonstrated in undertaking a massive infrastructure development using internal resources.
This shows strong leadership, sound financial management and commitment to improving service delivery, Minister Garwe said, adding that he was encouraged by the fact that the City has embraced the Minimum Service Delivery Standards.
“By commissioning these water reservoirs and refuse trucks today, the City of Victoria Falls is not merely commissioning machinery and infrastructure. It is confirming accountability in the use of public resources and demonstrating its commitment to sustainable urban development.
“As Government, we are proud of the achievements of the City of Victoria Falls,” he said, adding that the investment speaks directly to Government policy and aligns with the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS-2) (2026 to 2030), contributing directly to the realisation of National Vision 2030 of transforming Zimbabwe into an empowered upper-middle-income economy.
“They also align with global and continental development frameworks such as the Sustainable Development Goals — particularly Goal 6 on Clean Water and Sanitation and Goal 11 on Sustainable Cities — as well as Africa Agenda 2063.
“It is our desire that all local authorities across the country emulate such efforts and continue to improve efficiency in the utilisation of available resources so that we stretch limited funds for the benefit of many.
“Government has made significant progress in ensuring responsible utilisation of resources and as a nation, we must continue to maximise the resources that we have. I therefore, commend Victoria Falls for improving efficiency in the provision of water infrastructure using its internal resources.”
The Minister encouraged a Whole of Government approach to service delivery.
Town Clerk Mr Ronnie Dube said this is a clear demonstration of how Council has embraced Minimum Service Delivery Standards (MSDS) framework, rubberstamping commitment to implementation of Government policy and the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS-2) (2026 to 2030, as well as Sustainable development Goals.
“It is my distinct honour to announce that the City of Victoria Falls has successfully delivered the Mkhosana Reservoirs Project. This is not just a standalone project, it is the vital first phase of our ambitious US$18 million Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) programme. “Funded directly from our City’s internal resources and with US$5 million injected, this project tackles our chronic shortages head-on.
“The Mkhosana Reservoirs and Refuse Compactors projects are
proof of what we can achieve when we are dedicated to our people. It is the foundation of a sustainable and prosperous Victoria Falls, based on partnerships.
“I am pleased to report that Victoria Falls City has not only embraced Call to Action mandate but has surpassed it. We are already operating above the prescribed minimum standards particularly in water, having achieved 100 percent coverage, which is above the 2026 target of 90 percent and in line with the 2030 goal, except for extent of non-revenue water where the local authority is working tirelessly to improve,” he said.
The project also involves upgrade of Aerodrome Pump Station, staff housing, 12 kilometers of new pipelines, making the site a fully-equipped hub, featuring and a secure lit environment.
The two refuse trucks have a capacity of 15 cubic metres and 18 cubic metres respectively.
Council procured one of the trucks with using its own resources while the other one was donated by African Sun Limited as part of the hospitality group’s Corporate Social Responsibility.
The trucks not only boosts the City’s solid waste management capacity, but also are a shining example of the sound partnerships that can be forged between local authorities and the private sector for the benefit of our communities.
His Worship, Councillor Prince Thuso Moyo, the Mayor of the City, reminded guests that the City’s global reputation as a tourism jewel depended not just on the mighty Victoria Falls itself, but on the quality of services such as clean water and efficient waste systems, public health, environmental protection and economic growth.
The commissioning involved unveiling of plaque, unveiling the trucks which then received a canyon salute as a sign of welcoming the development.mcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
