By Beatific Gumbwanda

CHIREDZI – Chiredzi Town Council (CTC) Chairperson and Ward 3 Councilor, Jameson Charumbira, has launched the construction of public toilets at the Chiredzi Old Rank Flea Market and bus terminus.
Chrumbira told TellZim News that he decided to embark on the project as a response to calls from Ward 3 residents for improved water and sanitation facilities at the Old Rank.
He said he was utilizing both his council earnings and personal savings to fund the project, which addresses the urgent need for sanitation at the flea market and bus terminus that had been operating for decades without any ablution facilities.
“Vendors at the flea market have been relying on a single house toilet from a nearby residence, and they have been doing so for years.
“Chiredzi Town Council indicated that there were no resources to develop the facilities but a plan and a site for the toilet was there so that is what I am developing on,” said Charumbira.
He said the initiative stemmed from his commitment to addressing the community’s needs as expressed during a Ward 3 development meeting.
“It’s not that I have a lot of money, but I have the determination to help the community I serve,” he stated.
Charumbira also said he was collaborating with a construction company, Kayz Dikkers, based in his ward saying the partnership was bearing fruits.
“I am working with Kayz Dikkers for the construction of the flea market and toilets so I purchase material while they provide labor and expertise. I also have another contractor ready to build a different toilet for the Bus Terminus, which we will begin once the current project is completed.”
Chiredzi Town has two bus terminuses: the old and the new. The New Bus Terminus has a lavatory for bus drivers and staff, while the Old Rank has none.

By Staff Reporter

Masvingo City Council has admitted to using substandard paint for recent road markings, following backlash from the public over the markings that faded within two weeks.
Masvingo Mayor Alec Tabe made the revelation during a press briefing held recently confirming that the paint used was of poor quality and had since been returned to the supplier.
The admission was made after concern was raised over the rapid deterioration of new zebra crossings and other markings, particularly on major roads like Josiah Tongogara Street.
“We have noted the concerns by residents about the paint used for road markings across the city. We returned all the supplies to the supplier after realizing the paint was of poor quality and not fit for purpose. We’ve asked for a better product, which has delayed progress on marking the roads,” said Tabe.
Council failed to provide the name of the supplier during the press briefing and said the procurement department were not present in the meeting
The issue came under the spotlight after TellZim News reported on barely-visible zebra crossings. The council’s attempt to redo the markings proved futile when they faded again in less than two weeks, drawing more criticism from residents.
Parents and residents were particularly alarmed by the fading markings near schools, raising safety concerns and questioning the value for money in council projects that fail to last.
In line with broader concerns about road maintenance, Tabe said the city had plans to buy a motorised grader using ZWL$5.2 million from the Zimbabwe National Roads Administration (ZINARA). The funds will also support regraveling 16 roads (totaling 10km) and pothole patching on 55 roads (1km total).
“The just ended rainy season left a trail of severe damage to roads and storm water drainage infrastructure in the city. For the year 2025 we have planned to purchase a motorised grader, regravel 16 roads with total chainange of 10km, pothole patching on 55 roads totaling 1km,” said Tabe.
Tabe also said council had plans to ring-fence funds from prepaid parking to maintain roads in the Central Business District as the one from ZINARA is not enough.
“The funding from ZINARA is not enough to cover the maintenance work that needs to be done to make our roads trafficable across the city. Part of the revenue being generated from pre-paid is going to ring-fenced and used for maintenance of roads in CBD,” he said.

By Tatiana Mhararira

Masvingo South Member of Parliament (MP) Tanatsiwa Mukomberi is making a tangible difference in the lives of his constituents through a series of impactful development projects on health care and education from his 2025 Constituency Development Fund (CDF) allocation.

Speaking to TellZim News, Mukomberi said he had taken further steps to improve the health system in his constituency by directing a portion of the CDF towards establishing new health centres and sprucing up existing ones to improve access to the crucial service.
“We bought building material for Maregere Clinic at Tokwane Ngundu, for the completion of the staff house. CDF financed procurement of equipment and drilling for a solar-powered borehole to supply water at the clinic.
“In the meantime, we resolved to have a slab, and we will use tents to ensure that people can receive health assistance while constructing the superstructure. This way, nurses will have accommodation, and water supply will be readily available,” said Mukomberi.
Mukomberi said part of the CDF bought building material for Chisase clinic while construction of another clinic at Fusira in ward 27 was at an advanced stage.
“Window panes, doors, and locks have already been sent to finish the staff house at Chisase Clinic. At Fusira in Ward 27, we are constructing a clinic and recently sent cement to complete it. We are making final touches so that it can start operating,” said Mukomberi.
In terms of education, Mukomberi said part of the CDF was directed towards construction of new toilets and classroom blocks at schools in Masvingo South constituency.
“We provided materials for the construction of a block at newly established Ndumuke Primary in Kuchakanya area, including paint and everything needed for roofing, plastering, doors, and lock pads. Everything is now in order, and they are ready to start working on the project, which should be close to completion in few weeks. Cement was delivered to the Early Childhood Development (ECD) centre in Ward 31.
“We provided materials to build ablution blocks at Magudu Primary. The toilets there are in a poor state and pose a risk to leaners. At Ganyange, we constructed an ECD block so we delivered materials for roofing and cement for plastering and flooring for it to open,” said Mukomberi.
These projects demonstrate the MP’s commitment to leveraging CDF resources to drive meaningful development in Masvingo South.

By Tatiana Mhararira

Construction of the Runyararo Clinic maternity wing is on the horizon, following the completion and commissioning of the North West Clinic’s maternity wing recently.
This was revealed by Masvingo City Mayor Alec Tabe on May 8, 2025 during a press conference held at town house where he was presenting on the state of affairs of the city.
The mayor expressed plans to expand all council clinics, with Runyararo Clinic being the next priority after North West Clinic making significant strides in improving the maternal health in the city.
“We are in the process of constructing a maternity wing at Runyararo clinic that will serve Runyararo Suburb, part of Mucheke suburb and some urban settlements. This project will be completed in 2025 at a cost of US$ 50 000 excluding the equipment.
“The council has resolved to have maternity facilities at all the clinics hence in 2026 a maternity wing will be constructed at Rujeko Clinic,” said Tabe.
The establishment of the maternal wing will improve access to health care services in Masvingo City and reduce the distance travelled by residents to seek for the services to either North West or Mazorodze clinics.
The maternal ward will become the third council owned maternity wing in Masvingo after Mazorodze and Runyararo North west and will help decongest the existing health care facilities.
Recently the council completed the construction of a maternity wing at North West medical centre in Runyararo west suburb and the facility is now functioning with a carrying capacity to admit ten mothers.

By Beatific Gumbwanda

CHIREDZI – Rarely do schools give, often they receive. But Chiredzi Government High School flipped the script, making a generous donation to Chingele Children’s Home on May 14.
The remarkable gesture highlights the school’s dedication to nurturing not just young minds, but also a sense of social responsibility and compassion.
As it gets colder with each passing day, the school donated 36 single bed mattresses, 36 blankets, and various groceries, bringing joy to the inmates.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, Chiredzi High Head Victor Zvada said the school had a partnership with Chingele Children’s Home that started last year.
“We formed a strong bond with Chingele Children’s Home in December 2024 when both leaners and teachers participated in fundraising for a successful Christmas party.
“After our visit, last year, we recognized the need for improved living conditions. It was quite hot in December, and we noticed the chapel, dining area, and rooms were uncomfortable. We promised the Principal that we would fundraise for ceiling fans, and our community responded by helping us gather enough funds for six fans,” said Zvada,
He said leaners at his school informed him about the need to purchase mattresses for the inmates as winter was approaching.
“As winter approached, teachers and learners informed me of the need for mattresses and blankets to keep the children warm. I want to sincerely thank the pupils, staff members, and our partners for their generous contributions, which made it possible to bring this donation,” said Zvada.
Chingele Children’s Home Principal Maria Chikwiro said he was elated by the generous donation, particularly noting the challenges of the home’s location where roads and bridges are often impassable.
“I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Chiredzi High for this special donation. Given our location.
“Chilonga Bridge is impassable but Chiredzi Government High School took heed of our plight. Last year they visited us and gave us a wonderful Christmas. During that visit, they saw that we were suffering in the heat and provided ceiling fans just three days after the Christmas party,” said Chikwiro.
Chiredzi District Inspector Norman Sharara, who represented the District Schools Inspector (DSI) Micho Hove, also commended the school for its generosity.
“This is truly one of a kind. I have never witnessed such a gesture from a school towards other learners. This school is a flagship institution not only for achieving academic excellence but also for doing good deeds. This type of generosity shows wisdom and intelligence, which is not common among those who lack compassion,” said Sharara.