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Refurbishments of Rodger Howman Training Centre in progress

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Refurbishments of Rodger Howman Training Centre in progress

Fredrick Moyo

Work to complete Roger Howman Training Centre hostels is at an advanced stage to lessen accommodation worries that have haunted the institution for years, with building of one of the hostels that started over 20 years ago being completed this year.
Speaking during a tour of the training centre in Masvingo’s Mucheke suburb on October 16, Minister of Women Affairs, Small and Medium Enterprise Development Sithembiso Nyoni said the completion would lessen accommodation worries that have haunted the institution.
“I have seen the great job that is being done here. I have seen the buildings there are adequate, we have to renovate those old buildings and can really help us in making this a production and also a distribution centre,” said Nyoni.
The new hostel with 18 rooms, laundry and ironing, matron lounge and a precast durawall is also going constructed.
The training centre had one old hostel with seven rooms that the minister said needs to be redesigned opening more windows for increased ventilation then it can be used as a temporary hostel.
She added that with the new buildings the centre also needs to leave the old fashioned way of training students but use the modern ways so that this institution becomes a vehicle towards vision 2030 and make it a centre where woman exchange ideas and gain knowledge and skills.
“We cannot have this centre doing the training of the old, this is what I came here to see so that when we come to officially open it, it would be a vehicle to move towards vision 2030 achievement.
“We need to make this centre a place where woman come and exchange ideas, gain skills and knowledge, so that when they leave this institution they can take care of themselves with the skills they would have attained,” said Nyoni.
Nyoni left a task to the people to speed up works so that the hostel can be officially availed for use before year-end as she emphasised that Roger Howman should not just be a training centre but also a Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) centre that equips trainees with practical other than theoretical skills.
“By the end of this year we must officially open this place, let us not walk but run around because we are moving towards a certain goal.
“This used to be a woman training centre but we also want it to be a SME centre so that women come and go with skills that ground them to vision 2030 and not just come and gain the theoretical frame work,” she added.
A student at the training centre Tsitsi Chipfuwo said that they are facing a few challenges where they have inadequate sewing machines and they are still using hand machines that are affecting their production process.
“As for now have a few challenges that we are facing as students. We have a few machines and are still using hand machines that are affecting us in producing our garments,” said Chipfuwo.
She also left a message of encouragement to other women out there that they should come at Rodger Howman training centre where they are taught sewing, cutting, and designing for only three months.

Public outcry over 2022 national and local budget consultations

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Public outcry over 2022 national and local budget consultations

Melinda Kusemachibi/ Last Alfandika

Majority of citizens in Zimbabwe have expressed concern over the manner national budget consultations are being held saying there are mere formality as most of the issues ordinary people highlight are often omitted in the final budget.

The numbers of consultation meetings that are also held per each province are very few hence the sample does not reflect the interests of the majority of the citizens in the country.

In Masvingo Provinces, citizens expressed concern over the manner in which the 2022 national budget consultations were conducted as the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Budget and Finance and the Expanded Committee on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) chose only three districts out of seven that people feel are not reflective of the whole province.

The consultations saw the committee visiting Bikita, Zaka and Gutu districts while leaving out Chivi, Chiredzi, Masvingo and Mwenezi prompting the public to conclude that the consultations did not cater for the input of the whole province.

Gutu, Bikita and Zaka districts are close to each other and the citizens there have a lot in common and there are interests are obviously different from those in Masvingo urban, Chiredzi and mwenezi districts which have minority groups.

Chiredzi and Mwenezi districts are mainly Shangani speaking communities and they were totally ignored by the Parliamentary committee which chose to get contributions of only those in Gutu, Zaka and Bikita.

A Chiredzi resident said it was unfair to be left out of consultations on issues that affect their daily lives.

“What Parliament did was unfair because our issues are obviously different from the districts that were consulted. Chiredzi has unique issues to Bikita so we expected them also to come here. It could have been better if they had at least one meeting per district,” said a concerned Chiredzi resident.

Contacted for comment Finance Committee Chairperson Dr Matthew Nyashanu indicated that they only chose a few districts in the province to consult so as to give everyone a voice.

“We select a few districts in a province so that everyone will get an opportunity to speak on their key priorities. That is why we only consult three districts in Masvingo province,” said Dr Nyashanu.

He also said key priorities during the public consultations in Masvingo included access to agricultural inputs, education and health facilities.

“In most public consultations most villagers wanted inputs for agriculture. Education was another key priority, as they wanted their children to be under Basic Education Assistant Module (BEAM) and improvement of teachers’ remuneration.

“Under health, residents wanted health workers to be well paid, construction of clinics since they are walking long distances to get access to medical facilities. Again, access to water was another key area in all public consultations,” said Nyashanu.

However, a Parliamentary 2022 National Budget report on the public consultations stated that issues of education, health, and construction of schools were some of the issues people expect to be addressed.

“The public encouraged government to allocate adequate funding to BEAM facility so that it supports all learners from disadvantaged backgrounds. The public called upon the government to adequately fund upgrading and building of both primary and secondary schools, particularly in rural areas so that the rural children do not have to travel long distances to access education and in turn enjoy the same education packages as being enjoyed by their counterpart’s urbanite children,” read part of the report.

The report also highlighted that agriculture is a key source of livelihoods in Zimbabwe hence government should fully invest in providing adequate infrastructure to support the sector.

“Participants proposed that the Districts Development Fund should ensure that each district receives two tillage tractors to improve farming in rural communities. Members of the public in Muzarabani, Glendale, Gutu and Birchenough Bridge called on government to recapitalise DDF so that it support communities with tillage.

“Tea farmers in Manicaland recommended that government should have a budget for resuscitation and or developing a tea processing plant in Manicaland. Tea farmers submitted that due to manipulation in the sale of their raw tea at the highest price being RTGS$9 /kg, farmers urged government that at least funds should be channelled towards the development of a plant where farmers will process their own products and sell semi-finished and finished product at a better price,” the report read.

Stakeholders applauded the government for allocating 13% of the national budget to the health sector in the 2022 national budget. However, the public pointed out the need for the government to honour the Abuja Declaration of 2000 on health, which stipulates that the health budget must be 15% of total expenditure.

This will not only be in compliance with Section 76 of the Constitution on the right to health care, but could go a long way towards promoting National Vision 2030 and the Sustainable Development Agenda.

No reversal on the Budget Committee members vows Mutare council

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No reversal on the Budget Committee members vows Mutare council

…youths, women and disability groups not represented on the Committee

Leslie Karumbidza

Mutare City Council is under fire from youths, women groups and people with disabilities for turning a blind eye towards them in terms of representation in the budget committee thereby lacking balance.
The 13-member committee is accused of lacking balance with only one woman being elected.
Mutare Mayor Blessing Tandi told said there was no reverse on the budget committee membership.
“There is no reversal or review of the budget committee members as the committee is inaugural for the City of Mutare, it might have some flaws here and there but we cannot correct them as for now as we are racing against time to come up with a budget. If we try to ratify the mistakes and errors in the committee, it will derail the whole process. We have observed the concerns and next year we can know how to compose our committee,” said Tandi.
The local authority selected the committee during a two-day stakeholders’ consultative meeting held in Nyanga to come up with the committee comprising of representatives from wards, business community, small to medium entrepreneurs and resident associations among others.
Manicaland Youth Assembly Coordinator Jussa Kudhereze said lack of representation of youths in the committee has made it exclusive rather than inclusive and they expect the local authority to balance the committee in the next budget cycle.
“The recently selected budget committee has no representatives for young people that refer to it as very exclusive rather than inclusive. Although the deed has been done we expect that this under-representation of women and youths must not be taken lightly and this has to be corrected in the next budget cycle.
“Maya supports the work of the budget committee. However, we hope that this committee is not red herring. There should be no interference from other offices hence it should be free to make decisions as the Committee who will be accountable to residents for the budget,” said Kudherezera.
The Budget Committee will spearhead the 2022 budget formulation and consultation processes.

Big plans for 2022 District Budgets: RDCs

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Big plans for 2022 District Budgets: RDCs

Melinda Kusemachibi

Local Authorities in and around Masvingo have declared that they have big plans for the service delivery issues to be prioritized in their 2022 budgets.
Chiredzi RDC Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ailes Baloyi indicated that they are still working on the budget but they have big plans for the year 2022.
“We are still working on the budget. Indicators are equipment for road repairs and maintenance, more health facilities, promotion of science education and food security initiatives,” said Baloyi.
Baloyi also indicated that so far there are no plans for increased rates as they are still working on the issue.
“There is no general increase in rates. We look forward to capitalize mainly on devolution funds for our major capital projects. We are still working on that issue on how best we can articulate this,” said Baloyi.
Chivi RDC Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Tariro Matavire said council proposed tariffs increase that has since been approved by residents.
“In terms of project allocations, we are going to finalize with the council on November 2, 2021 and the operation costs are higher than last year. We are forced to increase rates by a slight percentage to accommodate everything.
“The council accepted these changes, even residents accepted it as there are no complain room from the residents. This year’s budget is different from that of last year as the one for last year was affected by the Covid-19 pandemic,” said Matavire.
Mwenezi RDC Council Executive Officer (CEO) Albert Chivanga indicated that there are a number of projects in place.
“Water supply has been a problem in our district so we are trying to come up with possible solutions in our district. We have added on bridges due to damages caused by rains. Key priorities in our district include building clinics, bridges, five classroom blocks, road rehabilitations, and drilling of boreholes,” said Chivanga.
Bikita RDC Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Peter Chibi said there were no changes in rates.
“Due to economic factors like inflation, exchange rates, and overheads the budget is different from that of 2021. The central government is providing devolution funds, together with Zimbabwe National Road Administration (ZINARA). The budget will address key priorities of health, infrastructure development, water, roads rehabilitation under the Emergency Roads Rehabilitation Programme (ERRP).
“In terms of rates payments, there are no changes. The charges will remain the same,” said Chibi.
Chiredzi Town Secretary Engineer Wesley Kauma said the budget is still at consultations stage, but nothing has been finalized yet in terms of rate increments.
“Our budget consultations are in three forms and first is devolution projects, we received a budget that was approved ZW$190 million for 2022, which will go towards purchase of road equipment and construction of social amenities like clinics. Second, is Emergency Road Rehabilitation Programme (ERRP). We are yet to receive next year’s budget from Ministry of Finance but they have already approved procurement of two tractors and two tipper trucks.
“Thirdly, on council budget, we have done consultations with residents and they have submitted their projects for consideration. Resident associations will be consulted on October 22, 2021. The budget is still at consultations stage, nothing has been finalized yet in terms of rate payments,” said Kauma.
However, when contacted for comments Gutu and Zaka RDCs said they are not yet done with their budgets according to their Chief Executive Officers (CEO) Alexander Mutembwa and David Majaura respectively.
“We are not yet in a position to give a comment on that as we are still working on it as an authority maybe you can contact me on November 2, 2021 we might have completed,” said Mutembwa.
In 2020, most local authorities hiked rates by over 500 percent for the year 2021, a move that did not go well with residents.

Mwonzora distances self from Khupe aide violence incident

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Mwonzora distances self from Khupe aide violence incident

‘…Mashumba labor issue before the courts’

Kimberly Kusauka

MDC-T party leader Douglas Mwonzora has distanced himself and his party from former Thokozani Khupe aide Kudzanai Mashumba violence incident in which the latter attempted to hold a press conference purportedly on behalf of the MDC-T.

Mashumba is alleged to have tried to address the media this afternoon (October 21), in Harare on the pretext of representing the party, which was resisted by some party members and left property destroyed at Media Centre in Harare.

Contacted for comment, Mwonzora said he was not aware of press conference held and directed all questions to MDC-T presidential spokesperson Lloyd Damba.

“I was not aware of the press conference and investigations have been carried out, for more comments you can contact my spokesperson Lloyd Damba,” said Mwonzora.

Damba said Mashumba was once a party member and an aide to Dr Thokozani Khupe but was expelled and his case is now at the labour court.

“Mashumba was once our party member and Dr Khupe’s aid but he was expelled from the party and his case is at the labor court. He held a press conference with a poster that had a picture of the president and our party logo.

“He is an imposter and he involved himself in violence where he attacked party members who came expecting to be addressed by the president and it is evident from the videos circulating that he was the one who attacked a member,” said Damba.

He said they were not part of the violence that took place and one of their party members Yvonne Musarurwa tried to stop people from attacking Mashumba.

“We are not violent and if you look at the videos circulating, one of our members Yvonne Musarurwa was actually shouting so that people stop attacking Mashumba,” said Damba.

However, Damba said that the incident occurred outside Jurisdiction of harvest house so police have every right to investigate since the press conference was illegal.

In a statement issued by Mashumba, the party constitution has a period stipulated for one to hold a position and Mwonzora was supposed to leave office in 2019.

“The constitution of the party is very clear on the timeframe for any congress. The term of office for 2014 office bearers expired long back in November 2019 and one wonders how and why the current office bearers continue to exercise their functions,” read part of the report.

MDC-T also issued a statement on the commotion at the Media center saying that party youths and leaders were not involved in violence that occurred.

“The MDC-T has noted an incident that occurred at the Media Centre in Harare this morning. Whilst investigations are ongoing, we can fully confirm that our youths and their leaders were not involved in any form of violence,” reads part of the statement.

Last week MDC-A president Nelson Chamisa was attacked in Masvingo in Charumbira communal lands and also in Manicaland showing the level of political violence and intolerance currently obtaining in the country.

Fawez relaunches in Masvingo

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Fawez relaunches in Masvingo

Rutendo Chirume

MASVINGO – Forum for Women Educationalist in Zimbabwe (FAWEZ) a private voluntary organisation biased towards women in education was re-launched in Masvingo following its disappearance in the province for close to 20 years.
The provincial chapter was launched at a colourful event on October 15, 2021 at Victoria High School and was attended by representatives from all the seven districts among them District Schools Inspectors (DSIs), Inspectors, School heads and teachers.
All District School inspectors who were there pledged support to FAWZEZ saying it represented a noble cause that is worth their support.
The guest of honour at the event, FAWEZ national chairperson Dr Alice Tumbare said the organisation has a role to develop the nation and urged Masvingo Chapter to do sensitization seminars with community leaders against child marriages.
“Let us be visible, leave a mark wherever we touch. We need to engage communities and sensitize them against child marriages and promote gender equality. Let us not betray the trust bestowed on us,” said Tumbare.
National Association of Secondary School Heads (NASH) Provincial Chairperson Dr Edson Muresherwa said his organisation is also behind FAWEZ, which he said is motherly in nature.
“We as NASH and NAPH have the people; education is not done at the district or provincial office but in the classrooms where we are. Therefore, our support is crucial. I liked the organisation because it is motherly in nature and we are confident that it will produce great results,” said Dr Muresherwa.
FAWEZ national member Shylet Makomeke said FAWEZ as a voluntary organisation, will work towards emancipation of women as well as advocate for gender equality in schools.
She went on to say they would advocate for policies that ensure that the girl child is protected in schools, as they are more vulnerable.
“The objectives of FAWEZ are to make sure that there is gender equality between boys and girls especially in schools. We will go on to work with communities, researchers and other Non-Governmental Organisations for the development of the communities.
“As the adage goes, educate a women, educate the nation, we will strive to make it a reality by making sure that the girl child has access to basic needs like sanitary wear among other things to make them comfortable when at school like their male counterparts,” said Makomeke.
She went on to say they would want to carry out researches and find solutions to problems affecting both boys and girls in schools.
“After the release of ZIMSEC examination results, they release percentage pass rates which either show that boys performed better than girls or vice versa and it ends there. We however want to look at the causes and offer solutions to the problems,” she added.
FAWEZ is an affiliate to the continental board Forum for Women Educationists (FAWE) that has 32 member states headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya and Zimbabwe is a signatory.
It was once in existence in the province but died a natural death in the early 2000 and the re-launch is an effort to resuscitate the once vibrant organisation.

MDC-T on course to join POLAD

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MDC-T on course to join POLAD

Thabiso Nxumalo

A top party official of the Douglas Mwonzora-led Movement for Democratic Change (MDC-T) recently announced that they will be hopping on to the Political Actors Dialogue (POLAD) bandwagon anytime soon.
Giles Mutsekwa the party’s deputy chairperson said they have consulted and decided to answer to the call by government to join POLAD which was initiated by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Speaking at the provincial meeting held last Saturday at the party office in Rhodene, Masvingo, Mutsekwa said dialogue and unity was the solution to all problems being encountered in the country.
“Our statement is clear, we have sat down and discussed as the leadership and we now see POLAD as a positive move. Let it be known that we are not friends with Zanu PF but they are an important element in our struggle, we need them as much as they need us,” said Mutsekwa.
Mutsekwa also said as a party they were not ruling out the possibility of a Government of National Unity (GNU).
“This time around if the possibility of an inclusive government becomes a reality, we will make sure we do not get fully engrossed with the government duties and leave our party structures bare, we want to remain ready for anything as a party.
“We will also make sure that in issues to do with governance we are represented on all levels, down to councilors, If Zanu PF wins that particular ward, we want to instill a special councilor and vice versa,” Mutsekwa said.
Meanwhile, the Nelson Chamisa led MDC-Alliance has remained adamant that they will not join POLAD which they say is a group of those who lost elections but want to impose themselves on the electorate.

Residents demand improved services ahead of 2022 budget consultations

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Residents demand improved services ahead of 2022 budget consultations

Kimberly Kusauka

MASVINGO- Residents have implored the local authority to give number one priority to service delivery as the city is mulling 2022 budgets consultations which are expected to be rolled out soon.
The city has been facing a plethora of problems including water woes, poor refuse collection and sewage bursts which have been haunting the city for a long period.
Masvingo Mayor Councilor Collen Maboke said budget consultations were delayed by Covid-19 regulations but promised that the local authority will release the schedule soon.
“We could have started 2022 budget consultations by now but due to tight lockdown restrictions we had to shelve them. Consultations will start soon and we will announce dates once we are done as council,” said Maboke.
Masvingo Residents Forum (MRF) chairperson, Brighton Ramusi however implored council not to notify residents on the 11th hour ahead of consultations.
“Firstly, we would want council to inform us on the dates for the budget consultations a week before the intended date so that residents come in their numbers. We also want council to give us the budget after it’s done so that we can also scrutinize it,” said Ramusi.
Masvingo United Residents and Ratepayers Alliance (MURRA) spokesperson, Godfrey Mtimba said council has to consult residents when carrying out budget consultations and follow dictates of the law.
“As residents we feel that council should do effective budgets consultations by moving in each ward and asking residents on what they want to be included in the budget.
“Council should consider the Abuja Declaration that requires every country or institution to set aside 15 percent of its total budget to health because our health system, our local clinics are deteriorating and we do not have adequate medication,” said Mtimba.
Another residents’ pressure group, Masvingo Service Delivery Residents and Ratepayers Association (MASDRA) secretary general, Moses Mavhusa said the budget must account for hard currency transactions.
“The budget must include revenue being received in forex. As residents we must know how these funds are being accounted for. The revenue being generated from market stands should be transparently accounted for leaving no room for corruption,” said Mavhusa.
In 2020, the local authority hiked rates by over 500 percent for the year 2021, a move which did not go well with residents.

Youth organizations denounce alleged state-sponsored violence

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Youth organizations denounce alleged state-sponsored violence

Courage Dutiro

Various youth organizations have raised concern over the recent political violence cases that allegedly took place in Masvingo saying the violence violates the country’s constitution that allows the existence of multi-party political systems.
Youth Decide Zimbabwe director, Learnmore Munhangu described the events that happened in Masvingo as a primitive model of politics which is uncalled for.
“We denounce and condemn the unjust and primitive model of politics characterized by perpetuated and sponsored violence which happened in Masvingo. As young people, we are so worried because it seems as if the dark cloud of the past is still above us.
“As we fast approach the much-awaited 2023 general elections, we plead with government, all state agencies and political players to be tolerant and respect the constitution. We are a multi-party state. Elections must not divide us, but rather make us better and stronger as a nation,” said Munhangu.
He also urged youths to stay away from the barbaric type of politics that were founded by old ‘blood-thirsty’ political leaders.
“It is high time for us as young people to courageously reject and refrain from the old system characterized by politics of violence, politics of hate, politics of blaming each other and sloganeering and strategically locate ourselves as agents of national development and transformation.
“Our message to colleagues who are being used as instruments of violence is very clear. Do not allow the inventors of violence to make you useless. Attacking your fellow poor citizens for a loaf of bread is a clear sign showing lack of good sense and wisdom,” added Munhangu.
Social Democrats Association (SODA) executive director Tauya Chiname said all political parties in Zimbabwe should be accorded freedom to execute their political activities without fear of victimization.
“As social democrats, we do acknowledge that our country is a multi-party democracy, therefore all political parties should be allowed to execute their activities without being attacked. It is so sad that a ruling party is implicated in acts of violence. The so-called new dispensation has lost the trust of the general populace due to their nature of indicating right then turn left.
“We exhort the police service to investigate the violent acts that happened in Masvingo and bring the perpetrators to book. Zimbabwe belongs to us all and the police service is a construction of taxpayers’ money,” said Chiname.
David Mutambirwa a political analyst said Zimbabwe has a plethora of unresolved conflicts emanating from as far back as the Gukurahundi era and undisputed elections of previous years.
“The political intolerance which happened at Charumbira area in Masvingo is just a reflection of the deeply rooted symptoms of a vicious iceberg. Until a sustainable solution is found, we will continue to have an intolerance, political violence and structural violence in society. Rule of law should also be observed if we are to attain a peaceful and sustainable society where all citizens have respect for each other’s political views,” said Mutambirwa.
Movement for Democratic Change Alliance (MDC A) Manicaland provincial spokesperson David Panganai said all the time and energy wasted in violence should be diverted towards something that can develop the country.
“We strongly condemn the barbaric attack on our MDC-A leader. Maturity, tolerance and soberness are cardinal virtues for civilized countries and Zimbabwe must never be an exception. We certainly can never develop in a brutal, anarchic, thuggery and violence against unarmed civilians by the state.
“All the energy wasted in violence and thuggery must be channeled towards sustainable development and improvement of the livelihoods of Zimbabweans to fulfill our liberation legacy. As MDC-A, we continue to say violence has no space in our modern world,” said Panganai.
ZANU PF Masvingo Youth Political Commissar Sengerayi Manyanga said what happened in Charumbira area has nothing to do with ZANU PF and its youths.
“ZANU PF had no hand in what happened in Sipambi area. People in that area were only demonstrating against sanctions that were asked for by Nelson Chamisa and team. Everyone hates sanctions, citizens are wallowing in poverty in rural areas,” said Manyanga.

‘Outcast suburb’ of 16 years: The story of Masvingo’s Garikai residential area

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Courage Dutiro

Residents of Garikai residential area in Masvingo urban have lived as ‘outcasts’ for 16 years after commissioning of the area and they feel city fathers are neglecting them by failing to offer social services other suburbs are enjoying.

Garikai housing scheme commissioned in 2005 after government launched the widely condemned operation Murambatsvina, a forced eviction programme which saw the demolitions of homes and informal businesses around the country’s major cities and towns.

In 2013, Masvingo City reportedly secured a US$2, 1 million loan from National Social Security Authority (NSSA) that it promised to use to connect Garikai housing project into the main city’s sewerage system. However, to date nothing has yet materialised and the whereabouts of that funding is shrouded in mystery.

The area is located a few meters from Masvingo city council’s dumping area that the local authorities are taking too long to decommission and residents said the site cast an unpleasant odour into the houses.

A visit to Garikai residential area by TellZim News revealed that people have resorted to the use of surrounding bushes and open spaces as toilets.

Residents are still using bush toilets and sharing fewer water sources installed during the construction of the houses in 2005.

Area committee chairperson Gertrude Mukokovondo said the unavailability of sanitation facilities in the area is a huge blow to local women who oversee family welfare especially during this era of Covid-19 and is posing a health hazard to the local people.

“Women are mostly affected by the poor situation here; they are the ones who stay at home most of the time. We have a serious challenge when it comes to hygiene. The few blair toilets that people used to relieve themselves are full forcing people to use bush toilets which has created a potential health hazard causing air pollution in the fly-infested area.

“The problem is doubled by shortage of water. Before the coming in of Covid-19 , Minister of state for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Masvingo visited us, saw our situation and we are still waiting for their action,” said Mukokovondo.

A local woman who identified herself as Svunurai Mugiyani said she is among hundreds of women who are living without a toilet in Garikai area.

“As women and mothers, we find it hard to live without toilets. We need toilets and access to clean water. Even though Covid-19 is not caused by open defecation, we are now fearing for other disease outbreaks like cholera,” said Mugiyani.

Ndaizivei Mutero, another woman who resides in Garikai said the responsible authorities seem to be neglecting and discriminating women.

“We wish to be like any other locations; we do not know the plans council have for us concerning the issue of water. We wish council could treat us like other residents in Masvingo urban.

We are being told to wash hands regularly but we cannot follow such regulations here. The community has 100 houses and we wake up at 3 am to fetch water at a single water point. Each family is allowed to fetch only two buckets,” Mutero said.

A male resident who requested to speak on condition of anonymity said the area seems to be unworthy in the eyes of those in power.

“The area is despised by many. No one wants to associate with this place maybe because it is a ZANU PF old dispensation project,” he said.

A senior male citizen in Garikai area said they are finding it difficult to live with the bad odour that come from the dumping site.

“Toilets here are a challenge; we have been talking about the issue since long ago. Even during the days of cholera, we have been living in fear. Council should provide us with a sewerage system. We are also appealing to local authority to deal with the issue of this nearby dumping site quickly. It is hard for a human being to live while breathing bad odour,” he said.

In English the word Garikai can be translated to mean ‘live well’ however Garikai residents seem not to be living well without water, toilets and with unpleasant odour from the dumping site

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