By Andrew Muvishi
Marondera Municipality has applied for city status in a move authorities believe will transform the town’s economic prospects and improve the livelihoods of residents.
The Local authority notes that the elevation will enhance Marondera’s profile, making it more attractive to investors and position it as a key hub for Mashonaland East Province.
Mayor Chengetayi Murowa confirmed that the municipality has formally applied for city status to the Minister of Local Government and Public Works.
He expressed confidence that the upgrade would stimulate investment and growth.
“We have applied for city status and we are hopeful this will attract investors, leading to the growth of Marondera as the provincial capital of Mashonaland East.
The Marondera Progressive Residents and Ratepayers Association (MPRRA) Chairperson Goldman Munjoma also cautiously welcomed the bid.
Munjoma said city status could bring jobs, better services, and new opportunities.
However, he urged the council to improve service delivery to meet city-level standards.
“We welcome the initiative as it will improve our town in terms of investment and livelihoods.
“(However) we urge the council to scale up service delivery to suit city status,” he said.
Ongoing Improvements
In response, Mayor Murowa pointed to recent infrastructure projects as evidence of readiness.
He highlighted the construction of a new large market hall.
It is designed to decongest vendors and informal transport operators (mushika-shika) from the central business district.
The project, he said, will help maintain order and sanity in the CBD, aligning with modern urban governance standards.
A snap survey conducted by this publication revealed that many residents support the initiative.
They expressed hope it will improve their livelihoods.
“We support the move as it will attract big companies.
“Services we used to get in Harare will come here, cutting travel costs.
“Some products sold in Marondera are overpriced compared to Harare,” said a vendor operating along Pine Street.
Another vendor added that attaining city status was likely to boost sales of their wares.
