Chitungwiza
| Chitungwiza | ||
|---|---|---|
| ||
| Nickname(s): Chi Town | ||
| Motto: Pamberi Nekushandria Pamwe | ||
  Chitungwiza | ||
| Coordinates: 17°59′38″S 31°02′53″E / 17.99389°S 31.04806°ECoordinates: 17°59′38″S 31°02′53″E / 17.99389°S 31.04806°E | ||
| Country | Zimbabwe | |
| Province | Mashonaland East | |
| Formed | 1978 | |
| Government | ||
| • Mayor | Misheck Shoko | |
| Elevation | 1,448 m (4,751 ft) | |
| Population (2012 census) | ||
| • Total | 365,026 | |
| Time zone | CET (UTC+2) | |
| • Summer (DST) | CEST (UTC+1) | |
| Climate | Cwb | |
Chitungwiza – known colloquially as Chi Town – is a high-density dormitory town in Zimbabwe. The city is approximately 30 kilometres south of the capital, Harare. It was formed in 1978 from three townships: Seke, Zengeza, and St Marys.
Background
Chitungwiza is the largest high density suburb in Zimbabwe, it is popularly known for its hospital named Chitungwiza Central Hospital which is located in Zengeza 4 a suburb in Chitungwiza . Chitungwiza came into existence in the late 1970s with most black people who stayed in oldest high density towns like Highfield migrating to Chitungwiza. Chitungwiza has several suburbs. The oldest of the suburbs is St Mary's which is divided into two sections, Manyame Park (New St Mary's) and Old St Mary's, St Mary's is popularly known for being the oldest suburb in Chitown. There is Zengeza, which is divided into 5 sections i.e Zengeza 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. Zengeza 4 being relatively the largest section. There is also Seke another suburb located in Chtown and it is divided into many sections i.e Unit A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, J , K , L, M, N , O AND P. There is a shopping mall in Chitungwiza which located between Seke (Unit D) and Zengeza(Zengeza 4) it is popularly known as Chitungwiza Town Centre. Some of the popular shopping centres in Chitungwiza include Chikwanha, PaGomba, Pazvido, PaJambanja, Chigovanyika, PaDaddy,unit j shopping centre, Zengeza 2 shopping centre. Chitungwiza is also well known as home for some famous people in zimbabwe including John Chibadura-Mr chitungwiza(late), Charles Charamba, Prophet Makandiwa, Alick Macheso.
Infrastructure
There is one main highway that connects the city to Harare which is in serious need of maintenance as of 2007.[1] Public transport is composed of regular single level buses and more reliably minibus taxis (called emergency taxis locally). Chitungwiza has over 30 primary schools and over 25 secondary schools. Among the schools you find Zengeza 1 High School, Seke 1 High School and Nyatsime College which each holds national records of both being the best result producers of the year.
As compared to other countries in Africa, schools in this town are well built and of higher standards. except a few which are privately owned.
There are several public municipal clinics and privately owned surgeries which compliment the Chitungwiza Hospital efforts and another bigger hospital called South Medical or CitiMed as of present.
Chitungwiza's infrastructure is fast growing with private people like Fradreck Mabamba, Sifra, Ngonidzashe Jiji and others building shopping malls and businesses premises. individuals are also building houses at a very fast pace.
The Chitungwiza Aquatic Complex, built in 1995 for the All Africa Games, is no longer functional, and serves as a music venue.[2]
Demographies
Chitungwiza is located in the traditional territory of the Hera people. Its most distinguished historical figure is the Pasipamire, the pre-colonial svikiro (spirit medium) of Chaminuka. He is remembered for predicting the colonisation of the country by the British.
Johane Masowe we Chishanu is the largest religion whilst the economy is mainly supported by informal trading.
History
Chitungwiza gained full municipal status in 1996 and is the third-largest and the fastest-growing urban centre in Zimbabwe. According to the 2002 Population Census, the city had a population of 321,782. However, its true population is closer to one million. Most of the people work in Harare, as there is very little industry in Chitungwiza. There are growth points (an urban area with limited tax breaks) there and bus ranks. The Chitungwiza City Council is dominated by the opposition Movement for Democratic Change.
Chitungwiza was one of the areas targeted by Operation Murambatsvina in 2005 in which many residents lost their homes and businesses.
Like many of Zimbabwe's major cities, Chitungwiza is in a serious water supply crisis.
References
- ↑ Financial Gazette editorial of 17 May 2006 "Zimbabwe: It's Chombo's Fault"
- ↑ "Chitungwiza Aquatic Complex-begging for restoration". Newsday. 11 October 2013. Retrieved 22 November 2013.
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