Hwange

Villagers in Hwange West Constituency cry out over drugs and substance abuse

Published

4 months ago

September 2, 2024

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

The scourge of drugs and substance abuse has taken a toll on the communities of Hwange West Constituency, with villagers expressing their deep-seated concerns over the issue.

The problem has become so rampant that it has affected not only the youth but also adults and the elderly.

A meeting held on Friday last week, organized by Member of Parliament Vusumuzi Moyo, provided a platform for the villagers to air their grievances. The meeting was attended by various stakeholders, including village heads, councillors, and concerned citizens.

Laureen Mlambo from BH10 village spoke out, saying, “We have seen people loitering around and selling drugs freely, but when we report, we become scared because they are connected to some police officers. We want you, as our MP, to address these issues so that our community becomes safe for our children.”

Joseph Dube, village head of BH25, emphasized the gravity of the problem, stating, “Drugs and substance abuse are a huge problem in our communities. Adults and elderly people are engaging in this, and our villages need to be sanitized. It’s puzzling that these drugs are being sold inside shops, and this needs to be tackled before it’s too late.”

Councillor for Ward 3, Given Moyo, added, “The communities are suffering, and controlling it has become harder. We need to find solutions to address this issue.”

The concerns raised by the villagers are not isolated, as Zimbabwe faces a growing problem of substance abuse, particularly among unemployed youth.

Officials have reported an increase in arrests, with close to 2 400 people taken into custody so far in 2024.

Economic difficulties are hampering efforts to curb the problem, but the government has approved a review of fines and imprisonment for businesses convicted of selling illicit drugs.

In addition to the issue of drugs and substance abuse, the villagers also expressed concerns over the lack of maternal clinics, registry offices, advanced agricultural machinery, and projects for farming and fish.

They also appealed for children in Early Child Development to be taught in their native languages and for nearby schools to be built to reduce long walking distances.

The MP, Vusumuzi Moyo, assured the villagers that their concerns would be addressed and that he would engage the relevant authorities to find solutions to the problems facing the community.

Hwange

Hwange Local Board impounds cattle: Owners urged to claim animals

Published

4 weeks ago

December 18, 2024

VicFallsLive

BY WANDILE TSHUMA

The Hwange Local Board is urging livestock farmers to come forward and claim their cattle that were impounded by Council Police last week.

According to a notice issued by Acting Town Secretary Paul Mabhureni, the 10 animals have been unclaimed for over a week and are currently being held at the impound yard.

Farmers with missing cattle are advised to visit the Hwange Local Board offices to identify and claim their animals.

A daily fee will be charged for each impounded animal, and if the animals remain unclaimed after a month, the Council will auction them off .

The Hwange Local Board is also warning livestock owners to take responsibility for managing and controlling the movement of their animals to prevent them from encroaching into residential areas.

Council Police have increased patrols to reduce the presence of stray animals in these areas.

Residents are encouraged to report any stray livestock to the Council immediately.

Hwange

Victoria Falls City Council meeting aborted due to lack of quorum

Published

4 weeks ago

December 17, 2024

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

A full council meeting scheduled to take place at the Victoria Falls City Council today was aborted due to a lack of quorum.

The meeting, which was initially scheduled for Thursday, was fast forward to today in the wake of reports of confusion at Town House.

The meeting was called to discuss the suspension of Town Clerk Ronnie Dube who was suspended two weeks ago on corruption allegations.

It was further reported that it was also to rescind the Housing Director Brian Nyamande.

However, only five councillors attended, falling short of the required six to form a quorum.

According to Mayor Tuso Moyo, the meeting was urgent, but the lack of quorum prevented any progress.

However, residents’ associations disputed this agenda, stating that the meeting was against the will of the residents and that they were expecting it to take place on Thursday.

Hwange District Residents Association and Victoria Falls Combined Residents’ Association representatives and a few residents were gathered outside the boardroom, awaiting the outcome of the meeting.

The suspension of Dube has sparked controversy, with many calling for transparency and accountability.

The aborted meeting has only added to the uncertainty, leaving many questions unanswered, HWANDRA chair, Hebert Ncube said after the meeting.

“We also gather that the minister, Daniel Garwe, has summoned the two and the mayor, deputy mayor to Harare tomorrow where they just came from again last week. There is so much pressure to rescind the suspension of Dube, but we are saying, he should come here and talk to the people and let justice handle this, then he can be rescinded.”

Hwange

Hwange Local Board cracks down on overdue license fees

Published

4 weeks ago

December 16, 2024

VicFallsLive

BY STAFF REPORTER

The Hwange Local Board has issued a stern warning to business owners with overdue license fees, stating that trading licenses for the 2025 license year will not be renewed for commercial properties with outstanding accounts.

According to a notice issued by Acting Town Secretary Mr. Paul Mabhureni, “Hwange Local Board would like to advise the business community that we will not renew trading licenses for the license year 2025 to all commercial properties whose accounts are in arrears.”

The notice further states that “The Business License Renewal period for the license year 2025 commenced in November 2024 and ends on 31 December 2024.”

Additionally, the notice reminds business owners that, “In terms of the Shop Licences Act Chapter 14.17, no person shall in any shop, store or other fixed place of business, carry on the trade or business of selling or letting for hire any goods except in terms of a shop licence.”

Business owners who fail to renew their licenses within the stipulated timeframe will face penalties, including a fine of one-twelfth of the appropriate license fee for each month or part thereof that has elapsed since their liability arose.

The notice concludes by advising business owners to ensure that their premises are inspected prior to renewing their trading licenses, and urging cooperation in settling outstanding accounts to avoid disruptions to their operations.