… Minister fumes after learning of closure from reporter
By Brighton Chiseva
MASVINGO – Minister of Home Affairs Kazembe Kazembe and Registrar-General Henry
Machiri were both unaware that Masvingo Registry and several government offices had been
locked by Masvingo City Council over unpaid water bills.
When he learnt of the development from TellZim News, Kazembe fumed, saying the closure was
unacceptable. He then called the Registrar-General, who also said he was not aware of the
development and had only learned it from the Minister.
“I wasn’t aware of this development; I am only learning it from you, Minister,” said Machiri.
Kazembe said he was going to look into the matter and find out what was going on.
“That is unacceptable; I will find out what is going on,” said Kazembe.
Kazembe later said he had been informed that the closure was at a government complex and was
not affecting the registry only. He said action was, however, being taken to address the
challenge.
“I am told it’s a local government complex that has been affected, not just the registrar. I’m told
it’s a government block that houses different ministries, including the registrar, youth, etc.
However, the matter is being attended to by local government,” said Kazembe.
The matter appears to be a hot potato, with many officials refusing to comment. The Public
Works Masvingo Provincial Director, when contacted by TellZim News, said he was in a
meeting and would call back, which he never did. Masvingo DDC Joyce Chikugu said she was
not in the office and was therefore not aware of what was happening at the complex.
Masvingo Provincial Registrar Sithembeni Chitsa asked the reporter to send questions in writing
and Public works provincial director Peter Muzite said he was in a meeting.
Masvingo Provincial Permanent Secretary Dr Addmore Pazvakavambwa also said he was in a
meeting and would return the call, but he did not.
Minister of Local Government Permanent Secretary Tafadzwa Muguti, however, gave a bizarre
response, asking this reporter to follow communication channels within the ministry, a stance
that came as a surprise, as all other permanent secretaries are always open to comment to
TellZim News.
“I don’t know who you are; follow our communication channel like all other journalists, that way
I can answer your questions,” said Muguti.
The complex houses other departments such as youth, the DDC’s office and the ZEC district
office, but the major service there is from the registry.
According to a City of Masvingo Combined Report on institutional debtors as at August 31,
2026, the council is owed vast sums by government institutions. The Hospital has a current debt
of ZWG215,190.16 with a total of ZWG5,211,999.36.
The Provincial Medical Directorate has a negative current balance of ZWG196,331.03 and a
total of ZWG182,966.57. The Prisons Department has a current balance of ZWG196,527.00 and
a total of ZWG9,004,858.56.
The Zimbabwe National Army is the largest debtor, with a current amount of ZWG4,835,041.21
and a total of ZWG168,393,758.69.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police has a combined total of ZWG26,364,704.58 across its accounts.
Local Government has a total current of ZWG3,160.77 and a total amount of ZWG21,319.03,
while Construction has a current of ZWG543,636.20 and a total amount of ZWG5,923,381.11.
Roger Howman Chiefs Hall accounts show a current of ZWG26,893.64 and a total of
ZWG85,466.89 each, while the Ministry of Education Wigley House account shows a current of
ZWG22,398.06 and a total of ZWG469,292.53.
In summary, the overall institutional debt as at August 31, 2026, stands at a current amount of
ZWG12,877,481.09 and a total of ZWG234,052,113.35, with a capital total of
ZWG228,657,447.42.
