Home Blog Page 102

WCoZ petitions council over dumpsite

TellZim News
-
0
WCoZ petitions council over dumpsite

By Perpetua Murungweni

Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe (WCoZ) has taken action against Masvingo City Council over the Runyararo West dumpsite which has been affecting nearby residents for a long time now.
WCoZ Masvingo Chapter Coordinator Blessing Chimombo said the petition was to push council to urgently move to the new dumpsite since the old one is affecting nearby suburbs.
“WCoZ Masvingo Chapter submitted a petition draft to Masvingo City Council urging council to urgently move the undesignated dumpsite from Victoria Ranch to the new landfill. The dumpsite is posing serious health risks to residents, outbreak of diseases, environmental degradation, and climate change and affecting communities well-being particularly women,” Chimombo said.
Chimombo said with the petition, WCoZ was safeguarding resident’s rights to health and protecting the environment to climate change.
“The dumpsite’s proximity to residential areas exacerbates health risks and is posing significant threats to public health and environmental sustainability undermining NDS1 and United Nations SDGs. We therefore through this petition request the city of Masvingo to take the issue of moving from the Victoria range dumpsite to a new landfill as a matter of urgency.
“By addressing this we can safeguard women’s health, protect the environment and combat climate change, upholding principles enshrined in the Zimbabwean constitution,” said Chimombo.
Masvingo City Council Mayor Alec Tabe confirmed receiving a petition from WCoZ and said they were working on the matter.
“We received a petition from WCoZ over the dumpsite issue and its effects to the nearby residents. As council we are going to take responsibility to push the process of purchasing the necessary equipment required to the new dumpsite and as for now we are almost done with the procurement of the compactor that is needed to the new dumpsite.
“Council is working on the matter and we are taking the issue seriously because it has become an outcry and we have resolved that council will deploy municipal police so as to reduce some illegal activities carried out by some residents. Above everything the only solution is to close the old dumpsite and open the Cambria farm dumpsite,” Tabe said.
Masvingo City Council secured 10 hectares of land on Cambria Farm which is on the western outskirts of the city for the establishment of the new landfill in 2019 and was set to move there by the end of October the same year.
In October 2022, Acting City Engineer Kudzaishe Mbetu, said council was only left with construction of the site offices which was already underway. He was quoted saying council was going to start using the landfill at the end of the same month, adding that three boreholes had been drilled but only the control borehole had been equipped.
Masvingo City Council in June 2023 invited Vice President Kembo Mohadi to officially open the landfill despite it not being functional until now.
In September 2024 Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) released a report which revealed that council was violating environmental human rights and the right to administrative justice, years after the old dumpsite became cause for concern.

Toddler drowns in well

TellZim News
-
0
Toddler drowns in well

By Tatiana Mhararira

A three-year-old toddler recently drowned in a well while her sister was fetching water in Dauramanzi village under Chief Gutu.
Masvingo Provincial Police Spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa confirmed the incident and encouraged members of the public to monitor their children.
“I confirm the incident in which Blessing Chidziva drowned in a well and was pronounced dead upon admission at Gutu Mission Hospital.
“I urge parents to protect their children, as incidents of drowning are at a high level before the rainy season,” said Dhewa.
Circumstances are that on October 15, 2024, Tendai Chibanhu (32) of Dauramanzi village left home around 7am for Masvingo to attend a funeral, leaving her children aged 13 and 3 behind.
The children went to the well at around 1pm to fetch water. While the eldest was filling containers, the three-year-old toddler fell into the well.
A neighbor rushed to the well, rescued the baby, and rushed her to Gutu Mission Hospital where she was pronounced dead upon arrival.
Drowning incidents in Masvingo are on the rise with the incident happening two days after siblings aged 13 and seven drowned in Bunzwi Stream in Gutu and another 18-year-old drowned in a swimming pool at Mutirikwi Lake Shore Resort.

FAO rescues Bikita livestock from drought

TellZim News
-
0
FAO rescues Bikita livestock from drought

By Virginia Njovo

The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), through the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), has joined hands with the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries Water and Rural Development in providing stockfeed to drought affected areas in Bikita district.
Bikita district is among the most drought affected areas in the region where there is shortage of stock feeds and those who cannot afford supplements feeds are losing their livestock.
Speaking to TellZim News, livestock specialist for Masvingo province Joseph Chipuri said they received stock feed from their implementing partner FAO and seven wards in Bikita district were benefiting from the program.
“Due to prolonged drought, Bikita district has been affected by drought for almost three seasons with inadequate rainfall in the region, but thanks to our implementing partner in the stock feed programme who chipped in with mitigating measures.
“Seven wards in Bikita District, which are wards 1, 2, 3,27,21,22 and 20 benefited from the programme. These are the wards we distributed stock feeds since there are no grasslands left in those areas,” said Chipuri.
As the El Nino induced drought has already been declared a state of disaster by many countries in Southern Africa, Zimbabwe is making significant progress in developing and implementing drought mitigation strategies to combat its impact.
Bikita South Ward 3 Councillor, Mary Beancer Mukweya said the programme came at the right time since livestock was dying from lack of stock feeds.
“In my ward, about sixty–two families got ten bags each and this came as a relief to our livestock, though we have water challenges where we are supposed to walk to Turwi River which is fifteen kilometres away to water the cattle.
“We were fetching water for our livestock in containers since they could not walk fifteen kilometres but now it’s better since they have food,” said Mukwenya.
Mukwenya added that the mortality of livestock increased in Bikita where small scale farmers were losing their cattle due to drought.
“We no longer have enough draft power due to increased deaths of cattle which we use for farming as the rainy season is approaching,” she added.
Due to its geographical location, Bikita is a Red Zone where livestock diseases spread at a high rate hence the programme will assist in containing diseases since livestock won’t move from one place to another.

Tractor accident claims one

TellZim News
-
0
Tractor accident claims one

By Nancy Bayereka

One person died while two were injured after a tractor they were travelling in was involved in an accident on October 12 at the 1km peg along old Zaka – Chiredzi road.
Masvingo Provincial Spokesperson, Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa confirmed the incident and urged people to be cautious while driving.
“I can confirm an accident involving a tractor that happened along Zaka – Chiredzi road and one person died while two were injured. I want urge drivers to be cautious while driving to avoid loss of lives,” said Dhewa.
Sources close to the incident said the James Hobwani (21) of Magumire Village1 in Chiredzi was driving a Londini Solis tractor with two passengers on board.
Upon arriving at 1km peg along Old Zaka-Chiredzi road, Hobwani lost control of the tractor resulting on the tractor overturning once and landing on its wheels.
As a result of the accident Hobwani sustained severe spine injuries and was taken to Chiredzi Provincial Hospital were where he died upon arrival.
The passengers also sustained injuries and one was reported to be in a critical condition while the other one was stable.

Analysis of the Inclusive Education Policy in Zimbabwe

TellZim News
-
0
Analysis of the Inclusive Education Policy in Zimbabwe

By Mahembe Gerald

In Zimbabwe, Inclusive Education has been developed in response to the demand that all children, irrespective of their physical, intellectual, social, emotional, or other conditions, have fair access to education. In order to provide an educational environment that values individual diversity and encourages participation, the policy framework attempts to meet a variety of learning demands. It is imperative to examine the goals, difficulties in implementing, and effects of Zimbabwe’s inclusive education program.
The government of Zimbabwe has ratified a number of international conventions, including the Salamanca Statement on Principles, Policies, and Practices in Special Needs Education and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, in recognition of the Fundamental Right to Education. These pledges set the stage for the creation of a national inclusive education policy. This policy’s principal goal is to guarantee that all students, especially those from marginalized groups and those with disabilities, have access to high-quality education in mainstream schools. This method tries to improve the learning environment by encouraging diversity and respect among students, in addition to integrating special needs children into mainstream classrooms.
Notwithstanding the inclusive education policy’s well-meaning goals, there are a number of major obstacles to overcome in its implementation. The absence of sufficient resources, such as qualified staff, specialized instructional materials, and easily accessible facilities, is one of the main obstacles. Children with disabilities are either excluded from the educational system or sent to special schools that might not offer the same quality of education as mainstream institutions because many schools, particularly those in rural areas, lack the necessary resources to meet their needs. Furthermore, the shortage of trained teachers who are skilled in inclusive pedagogies exacerbates these challenges, resulting in a gap between policy intentions and practical outcomes.
Social perceptions of inclusion and disability are another important concern. Discrimination and stigmatization of people with disabilities are still common in Zimbabwean society, which has an impact on communities’ and schools’ readiness to adopt inclusive practices as well as the self-esteem of children with disabilities. Due to concerns about bullying or a lack of assistance, many parents are reluctant to send their disabled children to mainstream schools. This cultural barrier makes it difficult for inclusive education policies to be implemented successfully because it scuttles the cooperation that communities, families, and schools require to foster acceptance and understanding.
There have been some encouraging results from the inclusive education program, notwithstanding its varied effects. With more schools implementing inclusive policies and actively working to accommodate students with a range of needs, the educational landscape has gradually changed. Improved academic achievement and social integration among students have been recorded by certain schools, indicating that inclusive education can help peers as well as people with disabilities. The significance of inclusive education has also been brought to light by the advocacy work of numerous community organizations and non-governmental organizations, creating a more accepting atmosphere for children with disabilities.
Despite being based on progressive principles and seeking to establish a more fair educational system, Zimbabwe’s inclusive education strategy is difficult to implement. To fully achieve the promise of inclusive education, it is imperative to address the inequalities in resources, improve teacher preparation, and fight social stigma. Zimbabwe can guarantee that all children, irrespective of their ability, are given the chance to learn, develop, and make significant contributions to their communities by cultivating a more inclusive society.

GRRA speaks on gaps in citizen engagement

TellZim News
-
0
GRRA speaks on gaps in citizen engagement

By Tinaani Nyabereka

Gweru Residents and Ratepayers Association (GRRA) has issued a report of the city’s budget participation process outlining a number a challenges that needed to be addressed in the 2025 budget consultations.
In a position paper which was issued by Gweru Residents and Ratepayers recently, residents commended improvement on service delivery across various sectors but expressed concern on a number of gaps in citizen engagement.
“Some residents are still dissatisfied with services such as health, education, and the environmental cleanliness and hygiene of their respective areas.
“The City Of Gweru has made strides in enhancing budget consultations, with an increased willingness to invite stakeholders to performance reviews and pre-budget meetings.
“This shows GCC’s desire and willingness to promote inclusive participation, peace, and good governance,” the paper read.
GRRA went on to call the local authority to provide essential information, documents and a budget strategy for the 2025 budget with residents.
“We therefore call for Gweru Council to provide essential documents such as tariffs, income and expenditure reports, and a budget strategy paper for the 2025 draft budget,” read part of the paper.
GRRA also urged the GCC to enhance its communication strategy by advertising budget consultations two weeks in advance across all platforms, both online and offline, to improve participation.

MP Makumire launches Constituency Education Assistance Programme

TellZim News
-
0
MP Makumire launches Constituency Education Assistance Programme

By Beatific Gumbwanda

Chiredzi Central Constituency Member of Parliament (MP) Ropafadzo Makumire recently launched the Constituency Educational Assistance Program (CEAP), a programme that is targeting disadvantaged children in the rural part of his constituency, with 20 children from Nyawagi Primary School set to benefit at its inception.
The programme targets learners from Ward 31 and 19, in Hippo Valley, which are estates mainly run by black farmers.
The 20 learners from Nyawagi Primary School in Ward 31, who will be the first beneficiaries of the programme will get their school fees, uniforms, school shoes, and stationery paid for.
Addressing parents and guardians of the beneficiaries, who were selected by the school staff and School Development Committee (SDC), Makumire said he was setting aside money from his allowances as well as those from well-wishers towards the cause.
“I will be funding the programme from my allowances as well as resources mobilized from well-wishers in the constituency and abroad.
“These children are the future of our country; hence, we need to invest in them. Being here as your MP, I was also assisted during my time to be where I am today, and this is not a political initiative but developmental, “said Makumire.
One parent said they were happy that someone had remembered them since most of them were failing to take care of their children’s school needs.
“I want to thank the MP for this sponsorship and hope it will extend to other parts of the constituency where there is a need. I have been failing to take care of my child’s school needs and I am now relieved,” said the parent.
Chiredzi Central Constituency has 10 wards, eight from Chiredzi Urban and two from Hippo Valley Estates.
Ward 19 is better in terms of income status as most people are employed by Hippo Valley (Pvt) Limited, while Ward 31 is mainly occupied by black farmers, whose employees are failing to make ends meet in the country’s economic crisis.

Masvingo tops in dog bite cases

TellZim News
-
0
Masvingo tops in dog bite cases

By Virginia Njovo

Dog bites cases continue to plague Masvingo province, with statistics released by the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC) indicating that the province has been recording high cases since last year.
A recent Disease Surveillance report by Ministry of Health for 2024’s third quarter indicated that Masvingo and Mashonaland provinces recorded the highest number of cases.
“From the report released in the week ending September 29, 2024, 598 dog bites were recorded nationally and Masvingo Province leads with 99 followed by Mashonaland with 81,” reads the report.
In the report, for the first week of September Masvingo had 102 cases recorded from the total of 553 reported cases where number of dog bites from January up to first week of September were over 19000.
In July 2023 from the 401 reported cases Masvingo had 76 followed by Manicaland with 61 and Midlands with 59.
Masvingo City Council recorded fifty-seven dog bites in Masvingo urban alone in six months with the local authority expressing concern over the flooding of stray dogs in the city.
Masvingo City Council Public Relations Officer Ashleigh Jinjika said they were working with other relevant stakeholders to try and control the situation.
“As Masvingo City, in the first half that is from January to June 2024, we have recorded a total number of 57 dog bites, a figure which is worrisome.
“Stray animals especially dogs spread deadly diseases such as rabies and parvovirus which pose threat to human life through bites and attacks therefore we encourage residents to report stray animals to the Municipal Police and Health Department,” said Jinjika.
She urged pet owners to comply with the regulations which they were given by the City Council.
“Therefore, we encourage pet owners to ensure that they licence their pets as well as vaccinating them so as to reduce the spread of rabies and other infectious diseases since there are penalties for non-compliance,” said Jinjika.
During the February 5, 2024 Council’s Health, Housing and Environmental Services Committee meeting held at Masvingo Municipal Office, the committee raised concern over the rise in dog bite cases and suggested that council take stock of the number of dogs in the commonage.
“On control measures regarding the keeping of dogs in light of rising dog bites, it was suggested that Meter Readers be tasked to take stock of dogs in the commonage to enable Council to institute control measures on the number of dogs per each household,” read part of the minutes.
Speaking to TellZim News, Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) Inspector for Masvingo province, John Chikomo said they picking stray animals to reduce the cases of dog bites.
“We have started collecting stray animals from locations and from town so as to reduce number of strays that pose a danger to human life through bites as well as traffic hazards,” said Chikomo.
He also encouraged residents to report stray dogs in their locations so they know where to go exactly rather to avoid random patrols without heads up.
“There are many stray dogs so far in last week we have collected about 24. I encourage people to make reports on these strays so that we go directly, because due to limited resources we cannot do patrols every time,” added Chikomo.
On average, Zimbabwe reports over 533 dog bites cases in a single week. According to World Health Organisation (WHO) there are no global estimates of dog bites. However, studies suggest that dog bites account for majority of injuries annually, while an estimated of 59 000 die annually from rabies.

Council runs prepaid water meter pilot project

TellZim News
-
0
Council runs prepaid water meter pilot project

By Virginia Njovo

City of Masvingo has started prepaid water meter pilot project starting with twenty properties in Eastvale suburb on October 14.
In an interview with TellZim News, Masvingo City Public Relations Officer (PRO) Ashleigh Jinjika said that prepaid water meters aim to create culture of water conservation, reduce water wasting and promote financial sustainability.
“Consumers can now have control over usage as well as cost savings where there will be water conservation and reduced energy.
“Council’s primary motive behind installing prepaid water meters include reducing water losses since we will be able to measure the amount of water consumed by ratepayers as well as lost water deducted from the released amount of water,” said Jinjika.
Residents of Masvingo City raised concern over insufficient water supply with high bills which they saw as unfair to them, which inspired the introduction of prepaid water meters as an alternative.
Masvingo Residents and Ratepayers Alliance Spokesperson Godfrey Mutimba however said prepaid water meters will never be a solution to water shortages.
“Prepaid water meters will never be the solution to water shortages; the problem is with the pumping capacity per day to meet the demand from the growing population. Good example is we have ZESA prepaid meters but there is no electricity,” said Mutimba.
In Bulawayo Council faced resistance from ratepayers from installing smart meters amid indications that they were very expensive to install and maintain.
Media reports in July this year indicated that Bulawayo deputy mayor Edwin Ndlovu proposed the adoption of smart water meters following complaints from consumers about high water bills.
Chivhu is among areas where Zimbabwe National Authority (ZINWA) installed smart meters from 2021 and up to now the parastatal has installed 31 000 prepaid meters nation-wide.

Una Una miss away game as financial woes bite

TellZim News
-
0
Una Una miss away game as financial woes bite

By Tatiana Mhararira

Masvingo United FC, popularly known as Una Una, is facing serious financial problems, resulting in the team failing to play an away game against Buffaloes FC at Sakubva Stadium on match day 27 recently.
The team failed to raise money needed for essentials including transport and food for players and the technical team.
Masvingo United Secretary General, Omen Mafa confirmed the sad development to TellZim News saying the team failed to travel for the match and appealed for sponsorship from the corporate world.
“We were unable to travel for our match against Buffaloes due to financial constraints. Our logistics management fell short.
“We had hoped to get assistance from well-wishers, but unfortunately, the support came late resulting in us failing to travel,” said Mafa.
Mafa said the team management was working thoroughly to avoid a repeat of the incident and said players were preparing for the upcoming matches including the local derby against FC Wangu Mazodze.
“We are committed to ensuring that incidents like what occurred on match day 27 do not happen again, as it demoralizes players.
“The team is gearing up for upcoming games against Huku FC and Grayham FC, not to mention the highly anticipated local derby against FC Wangu Mazodze, a match that everyone is eagerly waiting for. Una Una expects to come out on top,” said Mafa.
One player who spoke on condition of anonymity said failure to go for the match was disheartening as they had prepared for it.
“I felt demotivated after skipping a match, especially after a week of training in preparation for the game against Buffaloes. However, I still have a role to play since the season is not yet over. I will approach the next game with renewed hope and energy,” said the player.
Una Una has been failing to give allowances to players due to financial challenges and delayed a match against FC Hunters earlier this season as players demanded for their allowances.
Currently, Masvingo United FC is standing on seventh position on the log, with 40 points, while Buffaloes FC is on eighth place with 37 points. Una Una’s next game will be against Chiredzi Stars FC at their home ground, Mucheke Stadium.
FC Wangu Mazodze leads the table with 59 points, followed by Tenax FC with 53 points, while Great Zimbabwe University FC struggles at the bottom with 15 points.

1...101102103...964Page 102 of 964