Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai has saluted the MDC-T-dominated Mutare City Council for twice being voted the country’s cleanest city in a competition organised by the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce.
The city first won the award last year and retained it this year.
Addressing close to 20 000 supporters at Sakubva Stadium on Sunday, the Premier said the award did not come easily, but through dedication and hard work.
“They are the cleanest city in the country. They deserve to be honoured and congratulated. This award does not just come. You need commitment and hard work. Keep it up and keep developing the city for the betterment of residents,” said Tsvangirai.
Mutare mayor Brian James said: “I am greatly honoured as the Mayor of Mutare to have our efforts honoured. It’s a privilege to work with fellow councillors and workers who share the same vision. To win this award means an immense pride that should be felt by the council, residents and stakeholders in Mutare.”
He also thanked the residents of Mutare for their cooperation in maintaining the standards of the city. The mayor also said they were working around the clock to ensure they maintained standards they had set for themselves.
“It was not easy to reach this point. We inherited a bankrupt council and we had to walk around to secure funds to rehabilitate some of the infrastructure in the city and also buy the utility trucks to ferry refuse,” he said.
The mayor thanked various volunteer groups that had worked with Mutare City Council to upgrade the city’s standards and improve their engagement in environmental issues.
