GOVERNMENT has raised concern over rising cases of vandalism targeting public infrastructure in Shurugwi, Midlands province, warning that the practice threatens to undermine development gains in the mining town.
The warning comes as the town undergoes accelerated infrastructure development under the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), with government and private players investing in housing, urban renewal and smart city projects aimed at improving service delivery and driving economic growth.
The concern was raised by Midlands’ Provincial Affairs and Devolution minister Owen Ncube during a recent tour of development projects in the province.
He said vandalism of public assets had become a serious setback at a time when government and the private sector were investing heavily in urban renewal and smart city initiatives.
“However, I am deeply concerned about vandalism of public infrastructure here in Shurugwi,” Ncube said.
He urged residents to safeguard public assets, warning that vandalism not only derails development but also deprives communities of essential services.
Ncube called on local authorities, corporates and communities to work together to protect infrastructure and sustain the development drive.
He said government was prioritising infrastructure development and housing under NDS2, as part of efforts to achieve an upper-middle-income economy by 2030.
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Shurugwi North Member of Parliament Joseph Mpasi said he was committed to coordinating development through strengthened partnerships between government and the private sector.
He said mining companies operating in the district had come on board to support development initiatives.
“I want to thank the government for the initiatives that have given birth to this visible infrastructural transformation in Shurugwi,” he said.
“I want to see these partnerships being extended to our rural communities so that development is inclusive and no one is left behind.”
