Home Blog Page 947

MP Shumba attacks council over chaos at Chitima market

TellZimNews
-
0
MP Shumba attacks council over chaos at Chitima market
By Itai Muzondo/ Upenyu Chaota

Masvingo Urban legislator Dr Daniel Shumba has attacked Masvingo City Council (MCC) over chaotic situation at Garikai Flea market popularly known as Chitima due to its location which is adjacent to railway line.
Shumba said the council was ignoring vendors who are ‘genuinely pleading the slashing of daily tax which the pay to the local authority’.
Currently vendors are charged $2 to run a stall on daily basis but they are requesting the council to reduce the amount to $1.
“This MDC council is anti- development. I know they want to turn this city into an ungovernable community. We are going to stop them. I am sure the MDC guys will enjoy seeing Masvingo in shambles but we will swiftly chip in to immediately stop the rot,” said Shumba.
If the council fails to reduce the tax, Shumba said he will assist vendors by paying part of the money.

                             Masvingo Urban MP Daniel Shumba
“I have since informed the council that I can pay half of the money instead of them continuing with milking residents who are not making huge profits at Chitima,’’ added Shumba.
However, Masvingo mayor Hubert Fidze rubbished Shumba’s attack saying the issue was none political. Fidze said his council was professionally run. He however, said it was impossible to reduce the tax overnight since there were many other factors which needed to be considered.
“We had a meeting today (yesterday) and we agreed that we are not going to reduce revenue collected from the market. Shumba has never approached the council and we are not aware of his intention,’’ said Fidze.
Early this week, the police arrested six Masvingo Residents Trust (MRT) members who were part of vendors who protested against paying $2 on daily basis.   Prosper Tiringindi, Godfrey Mudhumo, Mapfumo Mativenga, Tarwirei Chisikandieyi, Richard Mapedza and Jesina Gwabvira spent the whole day on Monday in the police cells at Masvingo Central police station and they were released upon paying $10 fine each.
Minister of State for Masvingo Provincial Affairs Shuvai Mahofa together with Zanu PF provincial leadership addressed vendors on Monday afternoon and assured them that they were going to pay US$ 1 but the council officials laughed at their decision saying it was not proper for Zanu PF members to make such crucial decisions at a rally.
                                  Mayor Hubert Fidze

Meanwhile, Director of National Vendors Union in Zimbabwe Samuel Wadzai condemned the chaos which saw MRT members being arrested. He also condemned in strongest terms the unleashing of riot police on vendors. He said it was gross human rights abuse for the police to harass and arrest vendors who were peacefully expressing their views.
“We condemn the police for interfering with council business. As a union, we still feel that the council should reduce the tax to R5. Where can a vendor get $2 to pay on daily basis? There might be infrastructure development but that should not invite exorbitant tariffs,” said Wadzai.local

Masvingo prepared to tackle cholera outbreak – Dr Shamu

TellZimNews
-
0
Masvingo prepared to tackle cholera outbreak – Dr Shamu
     
By Tell reporters

The cholera outbreak recently reported in the Chiredzi and Beitbridge are isolated cases that do not pose an immediate threat to the rest of Masvingo province as measures are in place to counter any eventuality, Deputy Provincial Medical Director Dr Amadeus Shamu has said.
An outbreak of cholera was reported in Chiredzi at the beginning of this month while other cases reported in the border town of Beitbridge, putting authorities on both sides of the border on high alert
Speaking to Tell Zimbabwe on the cholera scare gripping the province, Dr Shamu said medical institutions have been put on high alert to deal with any possible spread of the contagious disease.

“Community mobilisation and sensitisation programmes have always been in place to deal with such issues,” said Dr Shamu encouraging people to practice good personal hygiene to prevent the disease.
On the preparedness of medical facilities and whether they are adequately equipped to treat cases, Dr Shamu said he was confident any possible case would be handled well.
“Yes, I am confident our hospital and clinics are well prepared to treat any cholera case should any other cases are reported.
Meanwhile the two Chiredzi victims have reportedly been discharged from hospital where they had stayed in isolation.
South African authorities have meanwhile sealed off the Sikwalakwala border post with Zimbabwe to prevent a spill over of the disease.
Lack of basic sanitation facilities and access to clean drinking water coupled with poor personal hygiene have frequently been cited as causes of cholera both in towns and rural areas.local

SMZ does community work at Alpha Cottages

TellZimNews
-
0
SMZ does community work at Alpha Cottages
 By Moses Ziyambi

The Scout Movement of Zimbabwe (SMZ) on Friday embarked on community service at Alpha cottages as part of its Messenger of Peace, an initiative aimed at instilling good moral values and promoting interaction among scouts.
School children from Dikwindi Primary school and other movement members came together and weeded a vegetable garden at the cottages before joining children at the shelter in games.
“As the scouts movement, we intend to mould children’s character for the improvement of their moral values, social awareness and intellect,” said SMZ Assistant Provincial Commissioner Rumbidzai Tonhodzai.
“We are looking forward to spreading our presence to such places as Alpha Cottages and to other institutions across the province by liaising with all children of school going age who are our main concern,” said Tonhodzai.

The school children also took time to tour the poultry project at the shelter and feed the hundreds of chickens that are reared there.
Alpha Cottages’ Matron Shumirai Chifamba thanked the movement for showing humanity to the children at the institution and taking their time to interact with them.
“We are humbled with the kindness that they have shown to us. We wish the kindness won’t end here but will be spread to other needy places elsewhere. Children here have been waiting for this kind of a visit and today we are happy their wish has been fulfilled,” said Chifamba.
Pioneered by British military serviceman Robert Baden-Powell back in the 1907, the Scouts Movement grew to become a renowned international pro-children organisation, with membership in most countries of the world.local

Chief Sengwe installs 3rd headman in 71 yrs

TellZimNews
-
0
Chief Sengwe installs 3rd headman in 71 yrs

Batsiranayi Ngugama

Malipati – Chief Sengwe installed Paulos Mukachana to be headman Ngwengeni at a  colourful ceremony which was attended by hundreds of people from all walks of life including District Administrator for Chiredzi Clara Muzenda, legislator for the area Calisto Gwanetsa.

Mrs Muzenda who read Local Government and Rural Development Minister’s speech said the installation was very important in any society.
“The headman is chief of defence in an area. If there is no headman obviously that area will lack development.
The headman according to Chapter 29 section 9 should be a custodian of culture. The chief should report every incident in his area to police.
“She went on to state that Ngwenyeni chieftainship once installed was substantive and started in 1944. In 1974, Cainos Mukachana was installed and died in 2009 paving way for nephew David Simbi to momentarily rule from 2011 to 2013 while waiting for Paulos Mukachana who was working in South Africa to return and takeover” she explained.
Chief Sengwe asked the villagers to work hand in hand with the headman.
“You should desist from reporting cases to police and tell chiefs to settle them. Many rulers have emerged in our societies, but President Robert Mugabe gave chiefs powers to rule.


“Where will we get names to fill our books if people run to police. For your information we fall under the Judiciary so we must rule” said the paramount chief.
On another case, the chief called for Zesa to speed up the rural electrification programme for development to improve.
“We want our area to improve so that our work as chiefs becomes easy. They should light up lights at Malipati high school which the only government boarding school in the area” he said.
MP for the area retired Brigadier Calisto Gwanetsa said the installation was a unique function and comes once in a lifetime.
“All of us have got something and it was a unique ceremony. The installation is important as it makes channels of communication easier.
“The government of President Robert Mugabe is well behind customary laws and prosperity of areas. President Mugabe has seen it fit and is fully behind chiefs.
“In terms of development, I foresee a bright future for Chiredzi South Constituency. We need to work with our DA and all stakeholders utilizing our resources available.
“The government of His Excellence President Mugabe has opened two more satellite schools in trying to reduce distance traveled by our children to school” said Gwanetsa.

Teachers forced to pay money for independence

TellZimNews
-
0
Teachers forced to pay money for independence
Teachers in Bikita district are alleging that they are being forced to pay money for this year’s Independence celebrations.
A letter which is circulating in Bikita District is requesting all civil servants to pay at least US$1 dollar for Independence. 

The letters which originated from the District Administrator (DA) office are being circulated by the District Education Office. The heads of schools are told that they should tell their teachers to pay the dollar each failure of which teachers won’t be recruited to participate in Government activities like being polling officers etc. What makes the teachers stunned is when someone asking for a donation tells you that it is mandatory to pay a donation and attaches retributive action to be taken on failure to donate. It’s interesting, is it.

Business halts at Chitima as demonstration turns violent

TellZimNews
-
0
Business halts at Chitima as demonstration turns violent
By Moses Ziyambi

Buisness at Masvingo’s Garikai ‘Chitima’ market came to halt this morning as demonstrations against council police’s action to close the market gates in reaction to vendor’s refusal to pay their daily fees.
Vendors angrily unlocked the gates and unarmed the council police who were guarding the closed market.
Riot police came soon and displaced the demonstrating vendors. Police also arrested six members of Masvingo Residents Trust (MRT) Prosper Tiringindi, Godfree Mudhumo, Mativenga Mapfumo, Tarwirei Chisikandireyi, Richard Mapeza and Jesina Gwabvira who mobilised the vendors to demonstrate.
Speaking in an interview before his arrest, Masvingo Residents Trust chairperson Prosper Tiringindi said the residents had the right to protest as they have rights to be heard especially towards service delivery issues and reduction of taxes which was the cause of their protest.

               Prosper Tiringindi
“Masvingo Residents Trust is proud to support vendors in this demonstration in which they are demanding to be heard and addressed by the city fathers. Service delivery, especially at Garikai market being the biggest market is important as the vendors had gone for long without either a toilet or proper canteen which is a serious health threat to the general populace,” said Tiringindi.
The Mayor Hubert Fidze however emphasised that there was nothing wrong with council police action to close down the market if vendors resisted paying revenue as they had agreed with the market representatives.
“There was actually nothing wrong with council closing gates at the market as the council police were practicing their duties. We met recently with the market committees and agreed that they continue paying up the two dollars fee for a month as committees sit and strategies on the one dollar fees per day they had asked for.
“In terms of sanitation, we are working on that and I rely want it to be clear that progress is in course to bring development to the market. We also wish to deal with the ever increasing number of vendors mushrooming in town evading paying council revenue as there is enough space for them to operate from,” said Mayor Fidze.local

MPs sleeping on duty urged to wakeup

TellZimNews
-
0
MPs sleeping on duty urged to wakeup

….People miss Dzingirai, Mharadze & Dumbu

…Mhere, Gwanongodza & Mavhenyengwa pass the test
Golden Maunganidze

A few months ago we carried a survey to find out how Masvingo city councillors performed in 2014. However, people urged us to also monitor the performance of our MPs. We started with three districts of Chivi, Masvingo and Zaka.
Wezhira was shocked to discover that people are actually regretting ever voting for some of the MPs that we have today. However, there were some legislators who passed the test.
I will start with Chivi South constituency where  ordinary villagers said they were missing their former MP Irvine Dzingirai popularly known as Chikwambo Chekwa Chivi.  Those interviewed said Dzingirai was a better MP as compared to the incumbent Maffios Vutete who is very elusive. When they voted for Vutete, villagers thought that he was going to bring a change and improve their lives, however, today they are regretting saying he is very shy. Instead of taking over from where Dzingirai left, Vutete has not yet managed to fully engage the residents to come up with meaningful people oriented projects. Therefore, according to our rating, Dzingirai’s performance is yet to be matched. The people of Chivi Central have a different story to tell. While those in the South miss their former MP, those in the Central constituency are happy with their MP Ephraim Gwanongodza whom they have described as hardworking. Gwanongodza, unlike his predecessor Paul Mangwana, is always with the people. Gwanongodza is slowly but surely becoming a man of the people. He has time to listen to what the people say and in most cases, he engages the villagers so that he can fulfil his promises. Unlike in the south, villagers in Chivi South still believe that voting Paul Mangwana out was the best decision. Mangwana’s major weakness was that he was always away. Maybe the constitution making process kept him busy to the extent that he forgot his constituency. Going to the North, the people’s joy was short-lived. When their MP Mathias Tongofa was appointed to be deputy Minister of Youth, they thought that he was going to do a lot especially for the youths in his constituency, however, two years down the line, Tongofa is yet to deliver. Villagers said it was better if they continued with Tranos Huruva. Although Huruva was not hesitant to be caught up in scandals or controversy, he was quick to make a u-turn and listen to the people. Huruva was down to earth and always among the electorate hence he is still rated better than Tongofa. Therefore  1 out of 3 MPs in  Chivi district passed the test.
In Masvingo district people miss Tichaona Mharadze of Masvingo West constituency. Although Mharadze voluntarily handed over power to party cadre Takanai Mureyi in order to avoid primary elections in his party, villagers say he was a better MP as compared to the incumbent Ezra Chadzamira. Although Chadzamira has a strong financial muscle, the people especially those in areas such as Mashava feel that they are not well represented. Mharadze used to spent time with the people – he would go down in the villages and spent time with ordinary man and women and in the process, they would ask him to solve their problems. He became popular with the borehole projects. Mharadze is therefore rated better than Chadzamira. Unlike in the West, people in the central constituency are very happy with their MP Edmund Mhere. Mhere’s financial muscle is giving him an advantage as he is ready to assist ordinary villagers financially. He therefore becomes their ideal MP. His predecessor Jeffryson Chitando had innovative ideas but he was financially crippled. Although Constituency Development Fund (CDF) assisted him to buy popularity, still what he did with the assistance of CDF can not equate with what Mhere has done using personal money. Walter Mzembi has no one to compare with in Masvingo South. However, villagers think that it’s high time they try another MP since he is often occupied with ministerial business. Even as a minister, Mzembi is accused of dumping Masvingo province. With all the influence and power as tourism minister, Mzembi has failed to arrange for huge cultural festival or event in Masvingo. It seems he has forgotten the significance of Great Zimbabwe monuments. Under normal circumstances, Mzembi should have turned Masvingo into a cultural city which attracts a lot of tourists. Masvingo should be ranked high in terms of tourist attraction in Zimbabwe. The reason is that Masvingo is the oldest city in Zimbabwe, so anyone who would want to know more about the nation’s history should be taken to places like our beloved city and Great Zimbabwe. Because of that, villagers think Mzembi is better as an MP for a Harare constituency.
There is no winner between the late minister Stan Gorerazvo Mudenge and the incumbent Davis Marapira of Masvingo North.  Although, Mudhenge was rated as a good minister of Higher Education – he was not liked in his constituency for a number of reasons including neglecting important projects. On that note, Marapira is better than Mudhenge, however, people still believe the current MP’s performance is below 50 percent.  There was a very big debate as people were comparing former MP for Masvingo Urban Tongai Matutu to the incumbent Daniel Shumba. Both politicians were described as eloquent speakers  and goal oriented who do not take defeat lightly. However, Matutu’s major weakness  was that he was seen as arrogant politician who would only come to the people for his personal gains. He was however an assert to his party and people thought bringing a new face from a different political party would help, however, they still expect more from him. The people in Zaka North said they were very happy to have Robson Mavhenyengwa as their MP. They said form MP  Ernest Mudavanhu failed to represent them. Although Mudavanhu remained a hero in his party for both coming up with a slogan for MDC-T and being prepared to go to jail, the people said that was not enough for them. Former MPs for Zaka Central and West Harrison Mudzuri and Festus Dumbu are also missed in their constituencies. However, the incumbent MPs for the same constituencies Paradza Chakona and Vinicent Mawere respectively are also working very hard. If they remain consistent, they have potential to beat their predecessors. In the East, Samson Mukanduri has no one to be compared with, however, villagers continue to urge him to be on the ground.
For now we say Wezhira wati wahweiko …. we are rating MPs in Gutu, Bikita, Mwenezi and Chiredzi districts next week. Send comments to editor@tell.co.zw.local

Poor service haunts Gutu Rural Hospital

TellZimNews
-
0
Poor service haunts Gutu Rural Hospital
Kennedy Murwira

Residents of the new town of Mpandawana in Gutu have alleged that service at Gutu Rural Hospital has deteriorated and the situation has been worsened by an acute shortage of drugs which has persistently haunted the hospital for some time.
The residents, who were speaking at a one day meeting organised by Tell Zimbabwe to discuss the state of affairs in the town, alleged that ‘patients were maltreated at the hospital and the nursing staff spent the whole day relaxing in their offices while the nurse aides did the donkey work’.
“As the situation stands the nurse aides have become the nurses because they are carrying out the duties that must be carried out by the nurses. Something must surely be done to improve the quality of service at the hospital since it is the only one that serves the town and the surrounding areas,” said one of the residents.


The residents further alleged that the hospital was faced by an acute drug shortage. They said that there had been no procurement of drugs for some time adding that they believed that the hospital’s funds had been transferred to the district purse making it impossible to obtain any drugs directly for the hospital.
Further allegations stated that the mortuary facilities were no longer fit to house cadavers as they were rat infested and cats could also gain entry because the door did not have a lock and stayed partially open most of the time. As a result, they said, some corpses were collected minus the lips or ears which would have been consumed by the rats and cats. The residents called upon the relevant ministry to consider the construction of a new mortuary since Mpandawana was now a town.
The District Nursing Officer (DNO} in Gutu District could not be reached for comment.local

Bhasikiti will not go anywhere – Gumbo

TellZimNews
-
0
Bhasikiti will not go anywhere – Gumbo
By Upenyu Chaota/ ItaiMuzondo
The embattled former Minister of state for Masvingo Provincial Affairs Kudakwashe Bhasikiti Chuma will not be fired from the party for aligning himself to the sacked Vice president Joice Mujuru, the Provincial Coordinating committee (PCC) was told last weekend.
This came at a time when people were thinking that Zanu PF was likely to expel the firebrand politician from Mwenezi who is currently accused of several counts of misconduct ranging from cutting down Mango trees in his farm to sabotaging President Mugabe.
Speaking at a hot PCC meeting held at Chiefs’ Hall in Masvingo, Joramu Gumbo who was presiding over restructuring process in Masvingo said the party was not continuing with the purging of its members aligned to Mujuru.
He singled out Bhasikiti as an example saying by firing the former minister, Zanu PF will be further alienating itself from the people.
“We shall not continue firing them (Mujuru cabal), our gospel today is that of unity and reconciliation. we know that they have people behind them and we dont want to lose that support for example Bhasikiti was voted by the people of Mwenezi and those people will go with him once he is expelled from the party,” said Gumbo.
Although members who were visibly angry at Gumbo tried to eject Bhasikiti and Claudious Makova from the weekend meeting, Gumbo protected the perceived enemies to the end.

                Kudakwashe Bhasikiti Chuma
“We should unite with them if we want to win elections in 2018. There is no one with power to chase them here ….only politburo has that power. The politburo has expelled Rugare Gumbo, Jabulani Sibanda, Didymus Mutasa and Themba Mliswa from the party but the others were just withdrawn from their positions but are still party members. We plead with anyone from the Mujuru camp to come back and work with us,” added Gumbo.
Gumbo admitted that ZANU PF was in flames and it was high time people put their differences aside and work for the good and future of the party.
“Let’s build rather than destroy the party. It is easy to destroy but it takes time and effort to rebuild. Let’s work to bring people together for the good of the party. Our party is in chaos but the chaos does not involve everyone,” added Gumbo.
Gumbo reprimanded Bikita South MP Jeppy Jaboon who continued to boo Makova saying it was not proper for young people (Jaboon) to humiliate elders like Makova over factional differences.
“I am ashamed by this behaviour where you (Jaboon) continue to humiliate elders in the party,” said Gumbo.
However, Bhasikiti refused to comment saying the media was concentrating more on him at the expense of other crucial issues affecting the country.
“You all come to me I am not the only person who is newsworthy… report about other things,” fumed Bhasikiti.local

NANGO dismisses regional coordinators

TellZimNews
-
0
NANGO dismisses regional coordinators
Tell Reporter
National Association of None Governmental Organisations (NANGO) has relieved four regional coordinators of their duties with immediate effect.  
The coordinators for Harare, Gweru, Bulawayo and Masvingo were not given notices and they had served the organisation for an average of six years.
Tell Zimbabwe was informed that the letter penned by Machinda Marongwe early this week instructed the officers to stop going to work ‘ immediately’. Although no concrete reason was cited for the development, the four have since stopped  going to work.
Only local expects in the four regions are going to work amid fears that they might also be stopped from going to work since their immediate managers were fired without a notice.
Tell Zimbabwe failed to get an official comment from NANGO board chairman Paul Juru who is also a headmaster at a school in Gweru.
The NANGO secretary general Michaiel Mabwe could not be drawn in to commenting saying he was not aware of the developments.
“I don’t know what you are talking about….I am travelling and can only come back to you once I get the information concerning the issue,” said Mabwe.
However, source said three out of the fired four had since approached the labour courts where they are seeking justice.
“We just received communication from one Marongwe and we are approaching the courts to seek justice. Even our leave days were not paid and there is no explanation. I think this organisation is led by people who are not fully aware of how civil society works,” said one of the fired coordinators who refused to be named.
Tell Zimbabwe was informed that Juru is a headmaster and his ascendance to lead NANGO remains a mystery.local
1...946947948...963Page 947 of 963