The Tongogara Rural District Council (RDC) has installed streetlights at Tongogara growth point as part of its ongoing development thrust aimed at modernising major shopping centres within the district.
The streetlights were switched on Christmas Day, adding a festive glow and enhancing safety as hundreds of villagers thronged the growth point to celebrate the holiday.
The development followed a similar project at Donga shopping centre, popularly known as Chachacha, where the local authority last year rolled out public lighting as part of its minimum service delivery standards.
Council officials expressed satisfaction with the progress, stressing the importance of modern infrastructure in stimulating local economic activity and improving public safety.
Tongogara RDC chief executive officer Liberty Ncube said public lighting was a key requirement under national service delivery benchmarks.
“Minimum service delivery standards require that all roads and public spaces be covered with public lighting. The set standard is 75% coverage by 2026 and 100% by 2030,” Ncube said.
“As Tongogara RDC, we started last year with the Donga/Chachacha rural service centre and this year we have covered Tongogara rural service centre.
“The timing coincided with Christmas Day, effectively giving back to the people of Tongogara RDC.
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“The goal is to enhance public safety and security, reduce mugging cases and generally light up the area, enhancing its aesthetics.”
Shurugwi North Member of Parliament Joseph Mpasi welcomed the development, saying it marked a positive step towards transforming Tongogara growth point into an investment-friendly hub.
“I am impressed by the council’s development thrust and I will continue to work closely with Tongogara RDC, particularly in areas of road infrastructure, healthcare services and water provision,” Mpasi said.
He urged mining companies operating in the district to partner with the local authority in developing Tongogara growth point and other areas, noting that improved infrastructure was key to attracting investors and accelerating rural development.
