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Homeless Masvingo wheelchair bound OK vendors, pleads for home

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Homeless Masvingo wheelchair bound OK vendors, pleads for home

By Ndinatsei Mavodza
MASVINGO – Just outside the entrance of OK Supermarket Masvingo, vendors line the
pavement selling everything from fresh fruits and peanuts to clothing items and household
goods. Among them sits 48-year-old Rabecca Chisenga in her wheelchair, carefully arranging
combs, brushes, towels, foot powder and toothbrushes for passing customers.
For many shoppers rushing into the supermarket, Chisenga is simply another vendor but
behind her daily routine lies a deeply painful story of determination, resilience, and
homelessness.
Chisenga developed Poliomyelitis, a viral disease that can damage the nervous system and
cause paralysis while she was in Grade 3.
The illness affected both her legs and hands, leaving her with a mobility disability that has
required her to use a wheelchair since childhood. Despite this challenge, she has built a way
to support herself through vending in the Masvingo city centre.
However, what many passersby do not know is that when the sun sets and the vendors pack
away their goods, Chisenga has no home to return to. She sleeps on the cold pavements
where she sells during the day, enduring scorching heat, pouring rain, and chilly winter nights
with only the open sky as her roof.
Chisenga hails from Shurugwi, but both her parents are deceased. She has siblings who are
deeply against her living on the streets, but she says she cannot bring herself to become a
burden to their families.
She said she came to Masvingo after a friend asked her to come so that she can take her to
South Africa where she could beg, but she met some people who advised her against it saying
she could be trafficked for ritual murders.
“I have siblings who care about me and do not want me to live on the streets. But they have
their own families to look after. I cannot move into their homes and become an extra problem
for them to solve. That is why I decided to work for myself, so that I can depend on my own
efforts,” she said.

The rural home in Shurugwi, she explained, is not conducive for a wheelchair user. The
gravel and sandy roads make mobility nearly impossible without an assistant to push her
through the rough terrain.
“Back home, the roads are not paved. My wheelchair cannot move easily on sand and gravel.
I would need someone to push me everywhere I go. Here in town, there are pavements which
ease my mobility. I can move around on my own, even if it is slow,” Chisenga said.
Getting to her vending spot each morning is not always easy. Public transport is not designed
to accommodate people using wheelchairs and as a result, Chisenga has to rely on the
kindness of kombi drivers and conductors.
“I depend on kombi drivers and conductors to help lift me and my wheelchair into the kombi.
This wheelchair can be folded, which makes it easier to carry. Some wheelchairs cannot be
folded and take up too much space,” she said.
Once she arrives in town, she also gets help from someone who assists her in navigating to
her stall. Weather conditions present another challenge for the vendor.
“When it rains or when the sun is too hot, it becomes difficult because we work outside,” she
said.
When night falls and the city grows quiet, Chisenga faces her greatest challenge – finding a
place to sleep. She dreams of staying in a proper home but cannot find accommodation
suitable for a wheelchair user. She revealed that few people want to rent to her, and the few
rooms she has found had steps which she cannot navigate.
“I want to stay in a proper house like everyone else. But when I look for rooms to rent, people
refuse me when they see I am in a wheelchair. The few who have accepted me, their houses
had steps at the entrance. I cannot go up steps. I need a place where I can roll in and out
freely,” she explained.
With nowhere else to go, she spends her nights on the pavements where she sells during the
day, exposed to all weather conditions.
“Sleeping outside is hard. When it rains, I get wet. When it is cold, I shiver the whole night.
But what can I do? I have no other place to go,” she said softly.

Chisenga attended the Jairos Jiri Association and later trained at the Danhiko Project,
institutions that support people with disabilities. These institutions equipped her with skills
and the determination to fend for herself rather than beg on the streets.
Chisenga’s story shows the daily reality faced by many people with disabilities who depend
on Zimbabwe’s informal economy for survival. With limited access to formal employment
and infrastructure that is rarely designed with accessibility in mind, simply getting to work
and finding shelter can be daily battles.
As Zimbabwe joins the world in celebrating Women’s Month in March and prepares to
commemorate International Women’s Day, Chisenga’s story reflects the resilience of many
women in Masvingo who quietly work each day to support themselves despite overwhelming
challenges.
Through her experience, she hopes to inspire others living with disabilities while appealing to
the public for assistance.
“I want to encourage others who may be disabled. Being disabled does not mean you cannot
think. We can work and support ourselves if given a chance,” she said.
She made a passionate plea to members of the public for any form of assistance, but primarily
for accommodation suitable for a wheelchair user.
“I am not asking for handouts. I just want a decent place to sleep at night. A place where I
can roll in easily, without steps. If anyone has a room that I can afford, or if someone can
assist me with accommodation, my life would change,” she pleaded.
She also appealed to passersby to at least buy from her so that she can continue to fend for
herself. For Chisenga, every day at her stall is another opportunity to prove that disability
does not define a person’s ability to work and contribute to the community.
Those willing to assist Rabecca Chisenga with accommodation or any other form of support
can contact her directly on 0782605484 or contact TellZim News on 0719355808.

High Court nullifies forensic audit report, clearing former THZ Director

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High Court nullifies forensic audit report, clearing former THZ Director

By Beatific Gumbwanda
Tongaat Hulett Zimbabwe (THZ) has suffered a significant legal setback after the High Court
declared a forensic audit report by Price Waterhouse Coopers (PwC) unlawful and void, a
decision that has cleared a former executive director who was implicated in the findings.
The ruling, delivered by Justice Gladys Mhuri on December 17, 2025, stems from a legal
challenge by John Edward Chibwe, a former executive director of Hippo Valley Estate
Limited. Chibwe sought to nullify the audit findings that had led to his dismissal from the
company.
Contacted for comment, Tongaat Hulett Zimbabwe Head of Corporate and Industry Affairs,
Dr Dahlia Garwe, indicated that she could not comment as the matter was under appeal and
therefore still before the courts.
The case centered on a report titled “Tongaat Hulett Limited Accounting Irregularities
Investigation,” which examined the bulk sale of sugar and alleged accounting irregularities
during Chibwe’s tenure as Finance Director. The report had been used to implicate him in
professional misconduct, resulting in his removal from his position.
The respondents in the matter were Zimbabwe Sugar Sales (first respondent), Hippo Valley
Estates (second respondent), Tongaat Hulett (third respondent), and various PwC entities
(fourth and fifth respondents).
Justice Mhuri rejected arguments by the respondents that the document was merely a private
investigation report or private opinion rather than a formal audit. The court noted that the
process involved verifying financial records and transactions, which fits the legal definition
of an audit under the Public Accountants and Auditors Act.
“Whether the process is a private investigation or a forensic audit report depends on the
character of the process and the outcome thereof,” Justice Mhuri stated.
The court pointed to minutes from a special board meeting held on August 19, 2019, which
recorded that “The Chairman introduced Trevor White of PriceWaterhouse Coopers Inc, a
member of the team conducting forensic audit investigations in THL, who had been invited to
give a brief report to the board about their findings on the bulk sale of sugar.”
The pivotal reason for the court’s decision was the legal status of the auditors. The court
found that PWC Advisory Services (PTY) LTD and PWC South Africa are peregrinus
(foreign entities) and were not registered with the Public Accountants and Auditors Board in
Zimbabwe, as required by law.
“It follows therefore that their conduct and subsequent findings fall under the ambit of Public
Accounts and Auditors Act [Chapter 27:12], which provision requires prior registration in
order to undertake an audit investigation,” Justice Mhuri ruled.

Because the PwC entities failed to register with the Zimbabwean Board before conducting the
investigation, the court declared all their actions and findings legally void, effectively
removing the basis for the allegations against Chibwe.
In addition to nullifying the forensic report, Justice Mhuri ordered Zimbabwe Sugar Sales and
Hippo Valley Estate to pay legal costs on a punitive attorney-client scale.
The applicant was represented by B. Maunze of Jiti Law Chambers, while the respondents
were represented by T. Mpofu of Gill, Godlonton & Gerrans.
In a related development, a Durban High Court judge was equally critical of the same PwC
report, describing it as having “incorrect assumptions and baseless conclusions, patent
inconsistencies, containing inaccurate, misleading, incorrect and questionable information.”
Tongaat Hulett Zimbabwe has since appealed against the

Drinking spree ends in attempted murder 

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Drinking spree ends in attempted murder 

By Ndinatsei Mavodza

GUTU – A drinking session at Runyowa Business Centre, Gutu ended in violence after a 37-year-old man was allegedly attacked with an empty beer bottle during an argument.

Masvingo Deputy Provincial Police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Masauso Patinyu, confirmed the attempted murder case which occurred on February 28, 2026 at around 8PM.

The victim, Tinei Musekiwa (37) was drinking beer with Blessing Machimbidzofa (44) and his father, Gilbert Machimbidzofa, when an argument reportedly broke out between father and son.

According to police, the disagreement escalated with Blessing allegedly pushing his father during the altercation.

Musekiwa reportedly attempted to intervene in an effort to stop the confrontation. 

However, his attempt to mediate between the two triggered a violent reaction from Blessing who picked up an empty beer bottle and struck Musekiwa once on the left side of the abdomen.

Musekiwa sustained a deep cut from the bottle attack and was rushed to Gutu Rural Hospital, where he was admitted in a stable condition.

Machimbidzofa was arrested on March 1.

Assistant Inspector Patinyu urged members of the public to exercise restraint and resolve disputes peacefully.

“We urge members of the public to find peaceful ways of resolving conflict and avoid violence,” he said.

The incident adds to a growing number of alcohol related violent disputes reported at business centres and drinking establishments across the country, where minor disagreements often escalate into serious or fatal confrontations.

In a recent case in Bulawayo’s Emakhandeni suburb, a drinking session between two friends reportedly turned deadly after one allegedly attacked the other following a dispute while walking home.

Authorities continue to encourage responsible drinking and peaceful conflict resolution to prevent avoidable loss of life.

Parents happy with progress during consultation day at Riverton Academy Murinye

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Parents happy with progress during consultation day at Riverton Academy Murinye

By Beverly Bizeki

Parents at Riverton Academy Murinye have expressed satisfaction with their children’s academic progress following a consultation meeting held at the school recently.

The consultation day over the weekend came  weeks after a dispute that briefly disrupted the opening of the first term in January when Chief Murinye, born Ephias Munodawafa, blocked parents and learners from accessing the school over differences with the institution’s owner, Philimon Mutangiri.

The situation was later resolved after the High Court in Masvingo granted an interdict allowing the school to continue operating smoothly.

Parents who spoke to TellZim News during the consultation day said they were impressed with both the academic progress of their children and the stability that has since returned to the school.

“I am excited about my child’s progress since she enrolled here. There is a huge difference in her performance across all subjects compared to when she first came. I am also happy that everything is now normal at the school with no disruptions,” said one parent.

Another parent, who was among those initially blocked by Chief Murinye when attempting to drop off his child on opening day, said he was relieved that the learning environment had stabilised.

“I thought I was going to face the same challenges as last time, but everything is running smoothly. The environment is normal and conducive for learning. I am happy that the differences were resolved and the school is now operating without disturbances,” he said.

An education official who spoke to TellZim News on condition of anonymity said authorities were closely monitoring the situation to ensure that learners’ education is not affected.

“Our priority is to ensure that learners continue with their education without interruptions. We are encouraged that normal learning is taking place and that parents are engaging with the school through consultations,” said the official.

The conflict began at the start of the term when Chief Murinye reportedly blocked the road leading to the newly established school, preventing parents from transporting their children. The traditional leader reportedly claimed he had not authorised the construction of the institution.

Mutangiri, however, maintained that he had obtained all the necessary documentation for the construction of the school, which he said was built on his ancestral land.

The matter was taken to the High Court in Masvingo through an urgent chamber application filed by Mutangiri against Chief Murinye.

In court papers, Mutangiri alleged that the chief had blocked parents from taking their children to school and threatened to disrupt learning by preventing pupils from attending lessons, accusing him of taking the law into his own hands.

In his ruling delivered on February 3, 2026, Justice Zisengwe found that Mutangiri had established sufficient grounds for interim relief, noting that continued interference posed a serious risk to learners’ right to education.

Background aside,determination the motivator

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Background aside,determination the motivator

…Tagarika Primary athletes aim higher


By Emmanuel Chitsika
Located deep down in the dry region in ecological farming region 5 in the red soils of Mufula ranch is a
poorly-resourced Tagarika Primary school. Despite the odds working against the learners, four girls
driven by determination and resolve for success have taken it to another level as they are set to dance
with Masvingo province’s talented athletes at the provincial stage set for Friday the 6th of March 2026.
After brushing aside challenges of fellow competitors at zonal, cluster, district and inter-district levels,
the quartet of Rumbidzai Mulala, Tendai Marufu, Juliana Murashiki and Sharon Machaya are set to
showcase their talents at the provincial stage where the ultimate prize is qualification for the national
finals.
Machaya won in the 800 metres, Marufu in long jump while Mulala and Murashiki partake in the throws
discuss and javelin respectively in the inter-district competitions recently held at Masogwe Primary
school on March 2, 2026.
The remotely- located school in Mwenezi East constituency has an enrolment if slightly above five
hundred learners hailing from the community whose livelihoods is primarily hinged on small grains
production and some few cash crops like water melons,sesame and cotton for some few farmers as well
as communal cattle production.
This is not the first time Tagarika have raised the flag of Mwenezi on the sporting front as Tagarika girls
volleyball team mentored by Chikoti Hapson has twice played at the national finals in succession (2024
and 2025).
Mwenezi is arguably full of untapped talent in various sporting disciplines and only fate awaits Tagarika
athletics coach Matsilele Revesai and her charges as they join the district team to the provincial finals.

Over 20k Chiredzi Rural households use bush toilets

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Over 20k Chiredzi Rural households use bush toilets

By Own Correspondent
CHIREDZI – More than 20,000 households in Chiredzi Rural District are still using bush
toilets, a staggering sanitation crisis that has forced the local authority to announce fines
for non-compliance as only 3 072 households out of approximately 26 000 have toilets.
The shocking statistic, indicating a paltry 11 percent of the households have toilets,
emerged during a full council meeting held recently, where Chief Executive Officer Ailes
Baloyi said council would take a tough stance to address the situation.
“This year we will be fining every household that has no toilets as a way of encouraging
residents to construct ablution facilities. Only 3 072 households have ablution facilities
out of 26 000 that we have,” said Baloyi.
Speaking to TellZim News after the meeting, Baloyi said the measure was meant to
encourage compliance, adding that the message was simple, every household should
have a toilet.
“The message is simple, every household should have a toilet. We are going to work
with traditional leaders at all levels as well as councillors to make sure that people heed
our call and comply,” said Baloyi.
Baloyi said the challenge was in communal and resettlement areas saying all public
places like business centres and markets had ablutions and were in a process of putting
up more.
He said there were several types of toilets that could be used as a temporary measure,
including simple pit latrines covered with metal iron sheets or tents, as long as there is a
toilet to curb diseases.
Baloyi added that the council was basing its assessment on statistics from the
Zimbabwe Local Government Association (Zimlac).

He also said the council was planning to introduce solid waste management systems at
household level to address environmental challenges and further curb disease
outbreaks.
In a separate matter at the same meeting, the district vowed to strictly follow proper
promotion procedures, pledging to only upgrade employees who possess the requisite
qualifications for advertised posts.
The commitment was made at CRDC’s 11th full council meeting held at the council
boardroom, where Baloyi used his first quarter report to address both the promotions
policy and the council’s efforts to combat corruption.
On promotions, Baloyi disclosed that a skills audit and job evaluation exercise was
conducted in 2025 and was yet to be presented to the Human Resources and
Administration Committee. He said the findings would guide future promotions.
“I want to assure you that we will not promote someone who has no qualifications for
the post,” said Baloyi.
His remarks come against the backdrop of a bitter dispute at neighbouring Chiredzi
Town Council, where three consecutive full council meetings were rocked by near-
physical altercations among councillors over a move to promote an employee from
Grade 11 to Grade 13 without the requisite academic qualifications.
On corruption, Baloyi announced the establishment of an anti-corruption team to be
headed by the Internal Auditor, warning those implicated in corrupt activities that the era
of impunity was over.
“Those who have been reportedly involved in corruption activities, you should begin
winding up as we no longer entertain such here,” said Baloyi.

Masvingo passport office ‘too small’ for e-passport operations

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Masvingo passport office ‘too small’ for e-passport operations

By TellZim Reporter
Reopening of the Masvingo passport offices will be delayed for some time with the
government saying the existing offices are ‘too small’ to run an e-passport operations with a
new building to be constructed.
Responding to a question in Parliament by Masvingo Urban MP advocate Martin Mureri on
the reopening of the offices, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Amon
Murwira, said the current offices at the Masvingo Provincial Registry were too small to
accommodate the infrastructure required for the e-passport project.
“The Ministry through the Civil Registry Department plans to roll out the e-passport system to
the remaining two provinces (Bindura and Masvingo). However, installation of the e-passport
infrastructure requires adequate and suitable office space. The current offices at Masvingo
Provincial Registry are too small and cannot accommodate the e-passport,” said Prof
Murwira.
Prof Murwira said the Ministry had engaged its private partner, Garsu Pasaulis, to assist with
the construction of the required, new state-of-the-art building. .
“To address this, The Ministry has engaged its private partner Garsu Parsaulis to support the
construction of a new state of the art building similar to the provincial registry office recently
commissioned in Mutare. The roll out of the e-passport system to Masvingo Provincial Office
will therefore commence once the new building has been constructed. Engagements
regarding the construction of the provincial office are ongoing,” he said.
The e-passport was rolled out in January 2022 and has since been rolled out to various
provinces and Masvingo Province has only one in Mwenezi District in Masvingo which is not
convenient for the rest of the province.
The people in Masvingo have however been forced to travel to other provinces such as
Midlands and Harare to apply for passports after the closure of the passport offices in
Masvingo District.
The situation has resulted in increased costs for applicants who must travel long distances to
access the much desired service.
To date, the government has issued close to 1.8 million electronic passports since the
programme began in January 2022.

People with disabilities call for safe, accessible products

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People with disabilities call for safe, accessible products

By Own Correspondent
MASVINGO – People with disabilities have once again called for better access to safe
products and public services, highlighting gaps in infrastructure, mobility devices and public
transport in Zimbabwe.
Disability Accountability and Consulting Trust (DACT) president, Purazeni Jakata, said many public facilities were still not accessible to persons with
disabilities.
“Our infrastructure as a nation needs to be accessible and inclusive because we want to use
these services as well.
“We also have limited access to mobility devices. The Disability policy was introduced in
2021 and the Disability Act last December, but many institutions have not implemented these
measures.” Said Jakata
Jakata also raised concerns about accessing toilets, transport services and other essential
facilities for people who use wheelchairs.
He called on government and businesses to adopt inclusive designs and promote the local
production of wheelchairs.
The Consumer Protection Commission (CPC) said it was stepping up efforts to ensure people
with disabilities were included in consumer protection programmes.
CPC chairperson Respina Zinyanduko said the commission was creating programmes tailored
to the needs of persons with disabilities and establishing easier ways to report unsafe
products.
“We are creating inclusive programmes tailored to their unique needs and establishing
accessible complaint mechanisms for reporting unsafe products,” she said.
“We are urging businesses to design products that promote an inclusive marketplace,
ensuring that every consumer feels safe and confident in their choices.”
Zinyanduko said CPC was also raising awareness among communities and working with
companies to promote ethical business practices.
She emphasized that consumer protection was not only a legal responsibility but also a moral
duty.
Minister of Industry and Commerce Mangaliso Ndlovu said government was committed to
ensuring that all consumers, including people with disabilities, have access to safe and
trustworthy products.

“Consumers today expect more than just affordable goods. They demand safety, quality,
authenticity and fair treatment.

“The government is strengthening national quality standards and inspections to make sure
products are safe for everyone.” Said Minister
The commemorations, held under the theme “Safe products, confident consumers,” brought
together traditional leaders, government officials, youths, persons with disabilities and
members of the private sector.
Speakers emphasized that inclusion is not only about access to products, but also about
ensuring that all services and infrastructure allow people with disabilities to participate fully
in society.
“Consumer protection is about confidence. When people trust that products are safe, they can
participate fully in the economy,” Zinyanduko said.
World Consumer Rights Day is usually marked globally on March 15, but

RIDA begins rehabilitation of Chivi’s Makonese Denge Dam

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RIDA begins rehabilitation of Chivi’s Makonese Denge Dam

By Andrew Zhou
CHIVI – Hope has been restored for the Denge community following the official launch of
rehabilitation works at Makonese Denge Dam in Chivi North ward 9.
The project, spearheaded by the Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (RIDA), seeks to
repair the critical water source which was destroyed by heavy rains a year ago.
​During the official mark-out ceremony held at the dam site, Chivi North Member of Parliament,
Hon. Godfrey Mukungunugwa, highlighted the hardships endured by locals since the dam’s
infrastructure failed.
He noted that the destruction of the dam didn’t just break a wall but broke a way of life. The
primary impacts included collapsed irrigation schemes that supported local livelihoods and a
domestic water crisis that forced families to rely solely on a few overstretched boreholes.
​”The people of the Denge area have suffered significantly over the past year.Water is life, and
without this dam, our irrigation systems were paralyzed. Depending on boreholes for everything
is simply not sustainable for a community of this size.” Said Mukungunugwa.
Speaking on behalf of the government, a RIDA representative confirmed that the contractor was
on-site to begin the structural repairs. The agency emphasized that the speed of the project
depends heavily on the local environment and community support.
“The speed at which we complete this project is heavily dependent on the local environment and
the support we receive from the community,” the representative stated.
The representative urged the people of Makonese Denge to cooperate fully with the contractor to
ensure the security of equipment and a smooth workflow, which will allow the dam to be
completed as early as possible.
“I encourage the people of Denge to cooperate fully with the contractor to ensure the security of
equipment and a smooth workflow, which will allow the dam to be completed as early as
possible.” Said the rep.
​The rehabilitation project is expected to bring back the productive gardens that once defined the
area, providing both food security and income for Chivi North villagers.
Speaking to TellZim News, Chivi District AGRITEX officer Brighton Hadzirabwi said the
destruction of the local dam had triggered a severe livelihoods crisis in Denge area, leaving
hundreds of families without a reliable source of income or food security.
The collapse of the dam effectively paralyzed the local irrigation scheme, which had served as
the lifeblood of the community for years. Many farmers who previously specialized in

horticulture had been forced to abandon their plots, leading to a significant spike in poverty
levels within the district as the once-productive greenbelts turn into dust.
​”A total of five hundred households were affected since the irrigation scheme stopped
functioning when the dam was destroyed,”said Hadzirabwi.
One of the local villagers, Dambudzo Tongofa, expressed his gratitude, noting that the
restoration would resolve the perennial water challenges that have crippled the community.
​“I applaud the government’s move to rehabilitate the dam, which was destroyed by rains last
year. It will once again ease our water burden and improve income generation through farming,
specifically in both livestock and crop production,” said Tongofa.
Sharing the same optimism, another villager from Ward 9, said the project would serve as a
lifeline for those struggling to maintain their herds and gardens.
​“This project is a massive relief for us in Ward 9. Without this dam, we had no way to sustain our
livestock or grow enough food to sell. Its rehabilitation means we can finally return to productive
farming and support our families again,” the villager said.
With the dam contractors Travesal Trading teams now on-site and the community standing ready
to assist, the path to recovery for Chivi North is finally clear. As the dust settles on a year of
hardship, the successful restoration of the Makonese Denge Dam promises to transform these
once-parched plots back into the thriving greenbelts that sustain the heart of the district.

Tugwi Mukosi 15MW hydropower plant establishment takes shape

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Tugwi Mukosi 15MW hydropower plant establishment takes shape

By Karen Sibanda

The establishment of a 15 megawatt hydroelectric power plant at Tugwi Mukosi Dam is set to begin, marking a major step toward unlocking investment opportunities at the country’s largest inland dam in Zimbabwe nearly nine years after the dam’s completion.

The power project, expected to cost about US$30 million, will be implemented by Tugwi Mukosi Hydro Power Station, a company incorporated in 2022 and licensed by the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority to develop the facility.

Speaking during a Tugwi Mukosi inception meeting recently held at Urban Lifestyles Hotel, Ministry of Energy official Sostain Zivuku said the engineering contractor Sinohydro Corporation went on site in 2025 and has already begun constructing accommodation for staff.

Zivuku said the project had already secured funding, with US$18 million mobilised from the Public Service Pension Fund.

“In 2022, a company called Tugwi Mukosi Hydro Power Station was incorporated and licensed by ZERA to start a 15MW power station. The power plant will be constructed at the cost of about US$30 million and US$18 million has been mobilized from the public service pension fund,” said Zivuku.

Zivuku said although preparatory works have started, civil works were temporarily halted earlier this year after the Zimbabwe National Water Authority requested further geological assessments to ensure that blasting required for the construction of the plant would not compromise the structural integrity of the dam wall and other infrastructure.

“They are currently at the dam site and the main works that they are doing is drilling to get samples to ensure the ground is good enough to hold a 15MW power plant and also to check the rock formation because a decision has to be made on whether the power plant will be built on the ground or underground,” he said.

He added that procurement of key equipment such as turbines and transformers had also experienced slight delays due to processes requiring engagement with the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe.

Once construction begins fully, the project is expected to take about 18 months to complete.

Electricity generated from the plant will be transmitted through a 38 kilometre transmission line linking Tugwi Mukosi Dam to Renco Mine, where a substation will connect the power to the national grid.

The hydropower project forms part of broader efforts by government to maximise the economic benefits of the dam, which holds about 1.8 billion cubic metres of water and has remained largely underutilised since its completion nearly nine years ago.

The push to accelerate development around the dam was highlighted during the inception meeting, where government officials, planners and traditional leaders discussed plans to evaluate investments linked to the reservoir.

Permanent Secretary for National Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning in the Office of the President and Cabinet Fananai Madambi said the evaluation was a Cabinet directive aimed at ensuring the dam generates meaningful returns.

“Tugwi Mukosi is one of the major investment structures by the government. Any investment is supposed to give us the desired return on investment. The purpose of this evaluation is to determine the benefits that should be realised and where we currently stand,” said Madambi.

Meanwhile, Chief Chivi born Adeline Mauswa welcomed the development, saying communities in the drought-prone district were already benefiting from some irrigation schemes linked to the dam and urged the government to prioritise local employment.

“The dam is beneficial to us in Chivi because this is a dry region, and we already have some irrigation schemes coming from it. But we urge the government to increase the number of irrigation schemes so that more communities can benefit. We are also looking forward to the establishment of the power plant and hope that residents from Chivi will be considered for employment,” said Mauswa.

Officials from the Department of Spatial Planning also confirmed that a master plan to guide investment around the dam is already in place and will soon be submitted for further approval before being opened for public review.

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