Chitungwiza
Chitungwiza, colloquially known as Chitown, is the third largest urban settlement area in Zimbabwe with a population of over 350 000 people– after Harare and Bulawayo, according to the 2012 National Population Census. It is a high-density dormitory town in Zimbabwe.
The Town is situated about twenty-
Chitungwiza derives its name from “Dungwiza”, which was the ancient home of the legendary prophet “Chaminuka” who was situated across Nyatsime River. Three residential areas: Seke, St Mary’s and Zengeza, together with the additional component of the insignificant industrial area, were amalgamated into one authority. Thus, the new Urban Council was promulgated and became operational with effect from 1 January 1978.
Chitungwiza was initially created as a Dormitory Town for Harare before independence. The Independent Zimbabwe Government which came into power in 1980, recognized the potential of Chitungwiza and went on to grant it Town Council status in 1981. As a result, growth point incentives were introduced in 1986, as a way of bringing development through attraction of investment into the growing Town of Chitungwiza. It is the Council’s desire to see the Town grow and develop to greater heights. The elevation that followed and still stands to date was the granting of municipal status in 1995. Council, therefore, finds itself in a position to focus on the next target – to gain City status.
