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Victoria Falls residents cry foul over unjustified water bills

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BY STAFF REPORTER

Victoria Falls residents have cried foul over unjustified water bills which have been galloping by over 500 percent since the beginning of the year. 

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Residents accused the council of using estimated water billing system charges, instead of the actual meter reading.

Agitated residents vented in a meeting called by the Victoria Falls Combined Residents Association (Vifacora) at Chinotimba Community Hall on Tuesday.

They said they did not understand how the council was pegging their water bill charges considering that there is no frequent follow up meter readings in the houses.

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A cubic liter of purified water in high density suburbs cost US$55 cents

“Last month, my neighbor was charged US$75 for water bill while his monthly charge used to be pegged at around US$10 per month,” one resident revealed. 

“When he went to complain, the US$75 bill was reduced to $10 000 and the next month he was charged US$5.

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“This shows irregularities happening at council because no one is coming to take meter readings,” he said 

His sentiments were also  echoed by Vifacora’s executive member Trymore Ndolo who revealed that the council was no longer doing meter reading due to shortage of staff.

“Council does not have capacity in terms of manpower to do meter readings,”Ndolo said

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“They end up doing estimates which also have its flaws of either overcharging and undercharging the person.”

Another resident who identified himself as Ganda said that such irregularities are allowed to happen because residents lack unity to tackle these issues with council.

“It is us the residents who are not united to hold the council accountable for such irregularities,” he charged

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‘As we speak, Mkhosana residents are being charged for water that they are not getting and we are quiet as residents.

“We convene these meetings as when we leave, some of us go and sit with them and tell them what Ganda said, so don’t invite him to the next meeting because he is problematic. 

“There was a meeting that I once attended, I raise these issues and someone stood up and said no we need people who are progressive, but I was raising this issue that these people are stealing from us and this is the system, but us residents are the problem.

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“When you look at the issue of land, towards the end of 2018 BB7 had 27 stands and when the current councillors were voted in, that land was never discussed and they ate the money for those stands and we don’t talk about it. “

Some residents said their water bills charged as much at US$300 and they feared that council was going to disconnect them. 

In a full council meeting last week, council acknowledged the water bill irregularities, but they they were in the process of investigating. 

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They, however, remained silent on the previous irregular bills.

Part of the meeting was meant to discuss the 25 point allegations on the city’s town clerk Ronnie Dube, the Wild Horizon’s jetty site lease and the mayor vehicle issue. 

The residents expressed their losing trust in council management and councilors following corruption allegations tabled against them.

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Meanwhile, Dube has been given five days to respond to the allegations of corruption and mismanagement levelled against him. 

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National

RemitHope launches “100 for 10” campaign to raise $100K for grassroots organisations across Africa

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BY STAFF REPORTER 

RemitHope, a pioneering fintech social enterprise – founded by global philanthropist and social entrepreneur Tsitsi Masiyiwa – has launched a bold campaign to raise US$100 000 in just 60 days for 10 grassroots organisations serving some of Africa’s most vulnerable communities.

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The campaign – themed “100 for 10” – seeks to channel life-changing support to organisations on the frontlines of health, education, gender equity and community resilience.

The 10 beneficiaries span nine African countries, including Cancerserve (Zimbabwe), Cáritas Regional De Chokwe (Mozambique), Empowered Girls (Tanzania), Ewang’an Nadede Advocacy Initiative (Kenya), Child Restoration Outreach (Uganda), Hands of Hope (Zimbabwe), Bana Ba Metsi (Botswana), Njira Impact (Malawi), Phelisanong Children’s Centre (Lesotho) and Refugee Children’s Project (South Africa).

“The 100 for 10 campaign is intended to harness the transforming power of small acts of generosity into life-changing opportunities for communities too often overlooked. And every dollar given delivers hope, dignity, and the promise of progress,” Mrs Masiyiwa said.

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Running from September 15 to November 15, 2025, the campaign pivots RemitHope’s unique model of transparency, real-time storytelling and direct funding to vetted local partners, ensuring every contribution makes a measurable difference.

In a powerful show of commitment, and leveraging its network of donors and partners, RemitHope has pledged to match every donation given, dollar-for-dollar – effectively doubling the impact.

“If you give $5 it becomes $10, give US$50 and it becomes US$100. This is multiplying hope, opportunities, and futures with every dollar donated,” she said.

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The campaign builds on RemitHope’s recent success, where the platform raised over US$81 000 in funding to rebuild Mt Selinda Orphanage in Zimbabwe after a devastating fire swept through the institution.

That effort demonstrated RemitHope’s unique ability to mobilise rapidly, scale generosity and deliver urgent impact.

“We’ve witnessed how extraordinary things happen when people unite in moments of crisis. And now, with 100 for 10, we are channelling that same spirit beyond emergencies, for the long journey of community-led development,” Mrs Masiyiwa said.

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RemitHope seeks to unlock the transformative potential of diaspora remittances – redirecting a portion of the more than US$90 billion sent to Africa annually, into structured, high-impact community giving.

By blending trust, technology and targeted generosity, RemitHope aims to mobilise US$50 million for grassroots organisations over the next five years.

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New 600 schools vs. reality: Mat North rural students trek over 10 kilometers for class

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BY WANDILE TSHUMA

In a recent parliamentary session, the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Torerayi Moyo, proudly announced that the government has constructed over 600 schools across Zimbabwe between 2022 and 2025. “I can happily inform this House that we have constructed more than 600 schools,” he stated, adding that “this year, we are targeting to build not less than 200 schools in 2025.”

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Despite this achievement, reports from Matabeleland North province reveal a stark contrast, where students in rural areas often walk over ten kilometers to reach their nearest secondary schools. For example, in Nkayi, learners from areas such as Menda and Mantshololozane must travel long distances to access secondary education at Tohwe and Nkayi High Secondary Schools, which are situated more than ten kilometers apart. This trend has persisted, making it difficult for many students to pursue beyond primary education.

While the Minister emphasized the government’s commitment to educational development, the experiences of many rural students paint a different picture. One legislator noted, “We were informed in this House that we have a deficit of 3 000 schools in Zimbabwe… what could have probably caused the mushrooming of these schools is the fact that there is a gap, and children do not have to walk long distances.”

In response to the issue of unregistered schools, Moyo addressed concerns, stating, “It is mandatory for any school to be registered before they can operate.” He explained that there is a dedicated department responsible for school registration and encouraged those operating illegally to regularize their status.

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Four men on the run after allegedly killing man over relative’s death

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BY STAFF REPORTER 

Four people from Silobela are being sought by the Zimbabwe Republic Police for their alleged involvement in a gruesome murder that took place on Sunday.

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The police are investigating the murder of 21-year-old Thandelwenkosi Moyo, who was allegedly killed by the four suspects after being accused of killing their relative.

According to the police report, the incident occurred at Munklenuck Village, Inyathi.

The accused have been identified as Nyoka, Zizimuzi, Mboya, and Aweli.

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The police report states that the four suspects took turns to attack the victim with booted feet and a sharp object, resulting in his death at the scene.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police is appealing to anyone with information about the whereabouts of the suspects to come forward and report to the nearest police station.

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