The ManicaPost
Wimbainashe Zhakata Post Correspondent
THE beautiful city of Mutare shines as the sun sets, bringing out its allure along the Christmas Pass lane.
Days of walking in dark alleys and night muggings along Magamba road are over as Mutare City has started installing solar street lights in the city to counter increased power cuts.
The first phase is being rolled out from Zuva Service Station after Magamba Road turn-off up to Wise Owl Motel along Harare-Mutare highway.
For the past three months there had been scarcity in electricity that negatively affected almost each and every sector in the country.
Luckily, tourists have fallen in love with Mutare, especially during the night. Its beauty is triggered with the shinning lights. Without lights, the city is isolated.
Mutare residents have expressed joy and welcomed the development wholeheartedly.
Mr Timothy Saunyama, of Fairbridge Park, thanked the city council for installing the solar street lights.
“It is a good thing that we now have solar street lights. Darkness was not good at all. People were being mugged and robbed in dark alleys. This happened, especially during the era of the Mozambican thugs who were targeting those in the low density areas,” he said.
Another resident hailed Mutare city for utilising the sun as a source of energy.
Mrs Marble Gwatiringa, of Chikanga said due to power cuts, they were using gas for cooking.
“In this area several people have died from using gas stoves. Recently a house was gutted by fire after a man tried to cook with gas, and he died on the spot. The power cuts have caused a lot of distress in Mutare,” added Mrs Gwatiringa.
However, some residents feel council was only prioritising low-density areas.
“Why is it that the city council is prioritising low density areas on almost everything? High density areas are always their last priority. Most robberies start from Sakubva high-density suburb, but there are no lights.
“In Sakubva we do not have security in our homes as compared to Murambi low-density suburb. Most houses in the low-density areas have security alarms, security guards and the owners have their own solar lights,” said Mr Simon Dube.
The United Mutare Residents and Ratepayers Trust (UMRRT) information officer, Miss Mutsawashe Chapeyama said the installation of solar street lights by council was a good move, but was not priority.
“We cannot say street lights are a priority in our city, but it is a good initiative because it gives hope to the residents. Council is in the right direction because most people were being robbed almost every day.
“Suburbs are in danger, if the council decides to install street lights they should put them in all residential areas, ”said Miss Chapeyama.
Mutare City Council spokesperson, Mr Spren Mutiwi said council was also fixing broken ZESA street lights to increase night lighting.
He said brightening the city was meant to attract tourists.
“The project had been on the cards for a while and is meant to ensure that the city is not left in total darkness during power cuts.
“The issue of increased power cuts prompted us to embark on this project, so we decided that we need to light up the city,” he said.
“The street lights are also being rolled out as a top priority to ensure the safety of residents at night.”
Mr Mutiwi said the project was expected to add to the beauty of the city and promote night tourism.
“We are also targeting to endorse night tourism in Mutare, aiming at restoring the glitter of the city and to enhance its beauty, which is more adorable at night,” he said.
Mr Mutiwi said lack of funding was delaying completion of the project as it was being funded from the city’s coffers.
“The installation of solar street lights is a capital-intensive project which needs more funding,” he said.
“Our funding is based on the degree of revenue collection. However, the cost of items is increasing on daily basis, so we are not sure when we are going to finish.
“If it was not for resource constraints, the project would have covered some milestones.
“We shall increase our installation pace once more resources are sourced.”
Mr Mutiwi called for external financial partners to assist for the progress of the developmental project.
