VICTORIA FALLS city’s new mayor, Prince Thuso Moyo, has plans to develop the resort town into a world-class smart green city.
The 27-year-old councillor was recently elected mayor following residents’ protests against the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC)’s alleged attempt to impose Ephius Mambume to lead council.
Four councillors, Mambume, Moyo, Nkanyiso Sibindi and Rich Mguni — all from CCC — were vying for the mayoral post.
Victoria Falls has 11 elected councillors, 10 from CCC and one who is an independent.
There are three women’s quota councillors, two from CCC and one from Zanu PF.
Speaking to Southern Eye recently, Moyo said he was a visionary leader serving the council in his second term.
“I was born and raised in Victoria Falls and was educated in the resort city. I harbour a vision of contributing towards the ascension of Victoria Falls as an economic hub that serves to improve people’s lives,” the businessman said.
“My plan is informed by our vision, which is to be a smart competitive green city sustaining a well-developed community and offering a safe tourist and investment destination of choice by 2030.”
To attain his goals, he will implement the town’s strategic plan, which includes a US$14 million water, sanitation and hygiene project, which has already started with the ongoing construction of reservoirs at Mkhosana.
“Victoria Falls has contributed immensely to the current sporting arena, with talented players plying their trade in the national league, hence the onus is on us to utilise resources at our disposal to ignite prospects of sport tourism by attracting investments into our stadium and lead the creation of a multi-sporting discipline facility,” he said.
Given the major financial constraints facing the city, leading to water, sewer and refuse collection challenges, Thuso Moyo hopes to invite investors to the party.
He also plans to lure investors to help expand the city’s golf course and construct a cricket stadium, ahead of the 2026 Cricket World Cup.
“It is imperative, however, to emphasise that whatever development that takes place, does not obliterate the natural state of Victoria Falls, which is our selling point,” he said.
Moyo promised to probe illegal sale of residential stands allegations, saying: “Council will advertise and inform the residents that it will be conducting pre-sales of the stands.”
Residents have also complained that council officials were awarding themselves hefty loans.
In response, Moyo said he would advocate a balance between service delivery and employee satisfaction.
“Yes, the previous council resolved to issue a loan for the town clerk to acquire an official vehicle and the matter was handled by the previous council together with the Ministry of Local Government,” he said.
Town clerk Ronnie Dube was last year given a US$84 000 loan to buy a luxurious vehicle at a time when the city was facing critical water challenges.
Source Zim Situation
