In the community

Matabeleland North minister warns of livestock crisis due to drought

Published

1 year ago

November 11, 2024

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

Matabeleland North minister of Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Richard Moyo is warning about the dire situation of livestock, especially cattle, due to the El Nino-induced drought.

The minister mentioned that the situation is particularly severe in areas such as Tsholotsho,Nkayi, Binga, and other regions in the province.

“Umnotho wemhlubulweni wethu zinkomo (These are the symbols of our wealth in this region) and what we ate witnessing is catastrophic. People’s cattle are dying in large numbers because of lack of rains last year,” Moyo said.

Villagers are also echoing similar sentiments, adding that the drought has resulted in the death of many cattle and donkeys, with female cattle being the most affected.

The lack of water sources has led to the death of these animals, and the situation is further complicated by the fact that people are struggling to access water for drinking.

Minister Moyo emphasized the need for the government to invest in building dams in Matabelele North, including the Ziminya Dam in Nkayi district and the Gwai- Shangani Dam, to mitigate the effects of El Nino.

“That way, we can ensure that our livestock is covered in any event.”

The minister also mentioned that President Emerson Mnangagwa has initiated an agricultural scheme program to assist communities with stock feed.

However, the program faces challenges, such as the requirement for villagers to contribute funds to access the stock feed from Kwekwe. He encouraged villagers to come together and contribute towards the transportation.

The drought has not only affected livestock but also people, who are struggling to access basic necessities like water.

In the community

MPs question poor radio, TV coverage in Mat North

Published

2 days ago

March 23, 2026

VicFallsLive

BY STAFF REPORTER

Concerns over limited access to national broadcasting services in Matabeleland North Province were raised in Parliament.

MP Discent Bajila of Emakhandeni-Luveve constituency asked the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services:

“To explain why national radio and television coverage remains poor or non-existent in parts of Gokwe North District, Matabeleland North Province, Matabeleland South Province, and nearby districts, and to indicate whether there are any digital signal expansion plans in place before 2026.”

In a separate question, Joseph Bonda for Hwange East Constituency raised concern over weather information gaps in Hwange:

“Why the weather forecast for Hwange is not broadcast, given that it is a resort with municipal status and significant business activities.”

No responses were recorded.

In the community

MP press govt on Binga hospital, mortuary crisis

Published

5 days ago

March 20, 2026

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

Members of the Parliament of Zimbabwe have raised concern over the state of health services in Binga District, questioning delays in upgrading key facilities.

Binga South MP, Fanuel Cumanzala asked the Minister of Health and Child Care:

“Whether there are any plans to rehabilitate Binga District Hospital to make it suitable for a nursing school, as earlier announced by the government.”

He further queried:

“Whether there are any concrete plans to permanently resolve the challenges faced by Binga District, particularly regarding the mortuary, which has not been fully operational for a long time.”

In a follow-up question, the legislator pressed government on broader service delivery gaps:

“What measures are being taken to improve healthcare services in Binga District, particularly in rural areas.”

“What measures are being implemented to reduce incidence of malaria and waterborne diseases in the Zambezi Valley.”

“Whether there are any plans to upgrade and expand healthcare facilities in Binga District in light of population growth and increased economic activity.”

No response was recorded in the proceedings

In the community

Hwange residents invited to constitutional amendment public hearing

Published

5 days ago

March 20, 2026

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

Residents in Hwange are set to have their say on proposed changes to the country’s supreme law as the Parliament of Zimbabwe rolls out public hearings on the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment No. 3 Bill.

The outreach programme will reach the coal-mining town on Tuesday, 31 March, with the hearing scheduled for 10am at Edmund Davies Hall, located at the No.1 Colliery Club near Thomas Coulter Primary School.

Attendance is free, and members of the public are being encouraged to participate and express their views on the proposed amendment.

According to Parliament, the hearings are part of a nationwide consultation process aimed at gathering citizens’ input before the bill is finalised. The proposed legislation—Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment No. 3 Bill (H.B. 1, 2026)—seeks to introduce changes to key governance provisions.

The Matabeleland North outreach will begin in Tsholotsho on Monday, 30 March, before moving to Hwange, then to Binga on Wednesday, 1 April, and concluding in Lupane on Thursday, 2 April.

Parliament has also opened channels for written submissions, which can be sent to the Clerk of Parliament or via email.

However, authorities have warned that individuals wearing military uniforms, political party regalia, or carrying flags and badges will not be allowed into the hearings.

Residents in and around Hwange are urged to attend in numbers and make their voices heard.