Blessing Nduku & Wesley Murove
Shurugwi Town Council appointed Archbold Ncube as the new Town Secretary in a move aimed at strengthening administrative leadership and driving development within the mining town.
Town Council chairperson Fanuel Machiya confirmed the appointment of Ncube as substantive town secretary, commending his leadership skills during probation and tasking him with driving the local authority’s smart city vision.
“The new Town Secretary has done well during his probation period and transformed the outlook of this town. One of his main tasks is to take Shurugwi to municipality status and ensure that we embrace the smart city concept,” Machiya said.
Speaking during a press conference, Ncube pledged his commitment to a new era of progress, collaboration, and community-centered leadership for the benefit of Shurugwi through Vision 2030.
“Co-objective is to make Shurugwi upper middle class by 2030”
Ncube has pledged to expand Shurugwi’s boundaries from a 5km radius to a 10km radius, adding an extra 5km peg. This extension aims to accommodate more residents and facilitate housing projects, promoting growth and development in the area.
“Let’s work together to build a better Shurugwi by focusing on progress and positivity, and transforming it into a thriving economy.”
He said consultations with Tongogara Rural District Council were already underway, with the proposal awaiting approval from the Minister of Local Government and Public Works.
“Water provision is my key priority so that residents have access to running water around the clock. This will be complemented by infrastructure development, including the rehabilitation of equipment, replacement of old water pipes, and installation of sewer systems in suburbs still lagging.”
He added that addressing the housing backlog, urban renewal, and the promotion of small businesses were also key in positioning Shurugwi as a model smart city by 2030.
During his probation, Ncube oversaw the completion of a trunk sewer line linking the town to Manzimudhaka and connecting suburbs such as Mambowa to the main system.
Ncube was on probation since May, before his confirmation as substantive town secretary.
He assured the community that his office is open for business and invited stakeholders to partner with him in driving Shurugwi’s growth and prosperity.
