In the community

Victoria Falls Junior Council urged to propose projects for 2026 budget

Published

7 months ago

September 1, 2025

BY STAFF REPORTER

In a significant push to empower the youth and encourage community development, Kholwani Mangena, the Chamber Secretary of Victoria Falls City Council, has urged the Junior Council to identify and propose projects they wish to see funded in the 2026 budget.

This call to action was made during a recent budget consultation meeting held at Chinotimba Clinic, where concerns about the lack of support for the Junior Council and local youth from the council’s livelihoods program were raised.

Mangena highlighted an opportunity, revealing that the council has earmarked a piece of land specifically for youth-led initiatives, particularly in agriculture.

“Otherwise, on the other projects you have proposed such as poultry in this coming budget, for 2026, we have earmarked some piece of land so that if you want to do poultry, you can do that,” she stated. Her message was clear: youth and women, as well as people with disabilities, must take the initiative to define their projects and funding needs.

The Secretary brought attention to previous efforts made by the council to support marginalized groups, mentioning, “We gave them a piece of land somewhere about three months ago,” referring to the land allocated for various community projects. She encouraged the Junior Council to be proactive in outlining their desired projects, saying, “Identify your projects. Be clear about the projects that you want to do and the funding. And then we can ask the council to fund those.”

Mangena also offered support for fundraising efforts, suggesting that the council could provide initial funding for activities like a talent show to help raise funds for their proposed initiatives. “Before the end of the year, we can do that. For example, maybe you want to do some fundraising. We can give you the money to start that fundraising,” she continued, emphasizing the importance of grassroots efforts in driving change and development.

In the community

MPs question poor radio, TV coverage in Mat North

Published

1 day 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

4 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

4 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.