By Kelvin Kasiwulaya
After his name mysteriously vanished from the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) candidate list on the 21st of June 2023, Councillor Godfrey Giwa hearing the plea of the Mtapa masses threw in his political hat as an independent candidate for ward 18.
Giwa, who is currently serving as Councillor for Ward 6 stated that, he was initially hesitant to join the race but was eventually convinced by the people to run for a seat at Townhouse.
“When the democratic space was shut in my face, I initially decided to step aside,” Giwa stated during a recent interview. “However, the majority of locals approached me relentlessly, urging me to join the race.
“While I initially struggled with the idea, the voices of the people grew louder and clearer, urging me not to break the bond I had established between them and council business. It was this overwhelming support that prompted me to accept their request and run as an independent candidate,” he said.
Throughout his tenure as a Councillor, Giwa has spearheaded remarkable face uplifts in his ward, including the installation of a community solar-powered borehole, renovation of Mtapa Hall, painting of Mtapa shops, conversion of market stall sheds into 10 indigenous small shops at Mtapa Shopping Centre, pothole tar filling, and the improvement of the water reticulation system in the entire ward.
Additionally, Giwa’s commitment to affordable housing led to the awarding of home ownership to nearly 300 families in Mtapa.
“Working in unison with fellow councilors we championed the granting of home ownership to 300 families in Mtapa section 2,3,4,5 and 6. We also championed the building of new toilets to some of Mtapa section 3 home ownership beneficiaries,
“I also spearheaded the establishment of service industrial bays at Mtapa garages and new electrical fittings at the Gafa tower light,” said Giwa
Giwa’s dedication to supporting the community extends beyond infrastructure projects. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, he allocated operating space to displaced vendors at Mtapa Section 7, providing them with much-needed relief after Kudzanayi Rank had been demolished.
Furthermore, Giwa introduced free DStv public viewing powered by a video projector at Mtapa Hall open space, promoting community cohesion and entertainment during challenging times.
Giwa’s approach has been to engage individuals from all political affiliations, ensuring a sense of ownership and unity within the community.
“As community leaders, we come with different visions and goals, but my vision of an all-inclusive ward with a union of interests and agreement of ideas has over the years won the smiles of the local people,” he said.
Although the list of projects undertaken by Mr. Godfrey Giwa seems endless, they all share a common goal – to uplift the lives of the people in Ward 18 and foster a prosperous, inclusive, and democratic community.
As the campaign continues, Giwa’s vision of a ward with democratic inclusiveness, prosperity, and a union of interests and ideas has earned him the support and smiles of the local people. With his experience, track record, and unwavering determination, Giwa remains unstoppable in his quest to serve the people of Gweru.