PRISCA MANYIWA-MASUKU
MIRROR REPORTER

Kwekwe – Zibagwe Rural District Council (RDC) was adjudged the best local authority at the National Strategic Development 1 (NDS1) launch held at Kwekwe Mining Hall last Friday.
Five local authorities namely Kwekwe City, Redcliff and Gokwe Town councils, Zibagwe and Gokwe RDCs and various Government departments participated at the launch and the exhibition.
The event was the official launch of Kwekwe NDS1 which was officiated by Midlands Provincial Affairs Minister, Owen Ncube under the theme, Creating opportunities for an Empowered Society.
Zibagwe was not only adjudged the best RDC but the overall local authority of the five. Gokwe South was adjudged the second-best rural district council.
Zibagwe was adjudged the best local authority because it has managed to attract a lot of investment including the Pig Iron Company. The local authority was also noticed for their bio digester gas stove that is used in the rural areas.
Judges also took note of the substantial number of health centres that Zibagwe has built using devolution funds.
Meanwhile Kwekwe was adjudged the best town council, with Redcliff at number two and Gokwe at number three.
Sable Chemicals was adjudged the best corporate exhibitor while Magical Cakery emerged top in the Small to Medium Enterprise Exhibitions.
Kwekwe currently hosts its exhibition events squashed at mining museum hall because it does not have space dedicated for such events.
Addressing a gathering of exhibitors and invited guests at the event, Ncube tasked Kwekwe City and other relevant authorities to establish a place dedicated for exhibitions.
“I implore Kwekwe City and all relevant stakeholders to prioritize the provision of land for the establishment of a permanent location for the Kwekwe EXPO.
“I urge all districts in Midlands Province to also take stock of the achievements made in their districts towards the attainment of an Upper Middle-Income Society. I am convinced that long-term and sustainable business partnerships and collaborations have been developed at this Expo,” said Ncube.
Meanwhile, some of the noted achievements that were highlighted during the event included residential stands and health centers that were established around the district.
“I am also pleased to note that Kwekwe District has made significant achievements towards the attainment of NDS1 targets. Under the housing delivery priority area, several housing projects are being implemented, including 420 stands in Rutendo extension, Renin Redcliff, 74 Rutendo extension, 649 stands in Cactus, 200 stands in Mbizo 18 extension and 154 stands in various areas under Zimasco. “Through Devolution funds the three local authorities in the District have established nine health centers in the district,” said Ncube.