Hwange

Hwange Local Board and ZINWA reach agreement on water management

Published

3 months ago

October 1, 2024

BY WANDILE TSHUMA

After a two-day sit-in at Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA offices), Hwange Local Board management and ZINWA have reached a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on the handing over of Empumalanga Phase 4 Stage II water management.

This breakthrough comes as a huge relief to the residents of Empumalanga, who have been without water for eight long months.

“This serves to inform you that yesterday (27 September 2024) Hwange Local Board management held a meeting with the Zimbabwe National Water Authority Hwange to deliberate on the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two parties on the handing over of Empumalanga Phase 4 Stage II water management,” said Dumisani Nsingo, Public Relations Officer.

The disconnection, which occurred in February, was due to a standoff between the Hwange Local Board and ZINWA over arrears.

“ZINWA requested for the removal of certain financially related clauses of which Hwange Local Board obliged to. Thereafter, Acting Town Secretary Mr Paulos Mabhureni signed the MoU on behalf on Hwange Local Board and handed it over to ZINWA Hwange officials who advised that the document will be sent to their head office in Harare for signing by their Chief Executive Officer, most probably on Monday (30 September 2024).”Nsingo said.

But the impact was felt most keenly by the residents, who were forced to resort to drinking unclean water from ponds near sewer lines.

This has not only been an inconvenience, but also a health risk, as the water is also consumed by wild animals.

According to Irene Shangwa, vice chairman of Phase 4 residents, “For the past eight months, we have been drinking water from underground. We do not even know where that water is coming from, whether it’s sewer water or just dirty water. We just drink it.”

Some residents have been asking relatives for water, while others are selling water for $1 for four or five buckets.

The situation has been particularly dire for women and children, who are the ones who fetch water from the ponds, exposing them to other diseases. Last year, they also went for eleven months without water, drinking from the ponds.

This is despite Zimbabwe being a signatory to the UN Human Rights Council, which recognizes the right to safe, clean, and potable water.

The signing of the MOU is a significant step forward, and is expected to pave the way for the reconnection of water at Empumalanga Phase 4 Stage II.

While there is still work to be done to address the underlying issues, the residents of Empumalanga can finally see a glimmer of hope on the horizon.

As one resident noted, “We are relieved that something is finally being done. We just hope that the water is turned back on soon.”

Hwange

Hwange Local Board impounds cattle: Owners urged to claim animals

Published

2 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

2 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

2 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.