Home Blog Page 296

Bikita RDC vehicle purchase scandal: ZACC yet to act

TellZim News
-
0
Bikita RDC vehicle purchase scandal: ZACC yet to act

…CHRA says anti-graft watchdog not doing enough on corruption

Emmanuel Chitsika

Months after allegations of corruption were raised against Bikita Rural District Council (RDC) by residents following the purchase of six top-of-the range vehicles for Head of Departments through a loan facility earlier this year, the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Corruption (ZACC) is yet to act towards the matter.
ZACC spokesperson John Makamure indicated that there are some formalities that need to be regularized before an investigation is launched and they are yet to deploy a team to do so.
“When it comes to public entities like local authorities in this case, we first carry out what we call a systems and compliance review in a comprehensive manner before any investigation is launched. The compliance review is when we look into an issue for the purpose of determining if ever there are issues of criminal nature before our investigations team steps in.
“The team is yet to be deployed to carry out the review after which if we identify any case that requires investigation, then we would do that,” said Makamure.
However, quizzed on the duration or timeframe after which the review would be completed, Makamure said that depends on a number of factors.
“It depends on a number of issues that is availability of necessary documents, cooperation of concerned parties as well as the nature of the matter we may come across.
“As such, there is no specific timeframe because we need to check on information made available on time and that which we require and check if there are any issues that we come across. Our compliance reviews are based on information supplied usually by whistleblowers like you are doing right now. We have procedures that we follow before deploying our teams,” added Makamure.
Bikita RDC irked residents after purchasing Toyota Hilux GD6 vehicles for HODs before privatizing the registration plates after which resident associations like Bikita Residents and Ratepayers Association (BIRRA) as well as business community wrote petition letters to parent ministry, ministry of provincial affairs and devolution among other stakeholders.
Meanwhile, Combined Harare Residents Association (CHRA) programmes officer Reuben Akili said they feel ZACC is not doing enough to combat graft in the country as evidenced by the manner in which the Pomona dumpsite (Harare) deal and of late the fire tenders are concerned.
“As CHRA, we envisaged or anticipated ZACC to intervene on the issue of the Pomona deal in which they should have intervened and so is the fire tender purchase issue. The moment tender procedures are flouted, that raises the red flag or indicator that corruption is there.
“What we have seen is that ZACC has been chasing cross border traders when we expected them to shift focus towards high profile corruption cases. While we do not condone cross border corruption, there are other critical cases of corruption taking place in local authorities in relation to public funds and we expect them to act,” said Akili.
He also likened the modus operandi of ZACC to a web that catches small animals while bigger ones are let on the loose.
“However, ZACC seems to be focusing on small fish looking at issues around graft which is so worrying to say the least. As CHRA, we expect ZACC to escalate its campaign and be able to start the attack on big fish behind corruption that is not only prejudicing revenue but also affecting service delivery to residents.
“I t seems their approach is low profile targeting the weaker of the weakest which I think will not provide solution to corruption,” he added.
Harare City Council is embroiled in a bitter wrangle with government following the selling of the city’s dumpsite to a company called Geogenix under unclear circumstances and opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) councillors are fronting calls to have the arrangement reversed as it bleeds the local authority.
The fire tenders issue is on the directive from the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works for all local authorities to submit applications for fire tenders (to be bought from Belarus) with payments to be deducted from their devolution fund allocations.
The prices pegged at US$ 400 000 are also alleged to have been inflated by the ministry.

Bishop Bhasera forced to resign?

TellZim News
-
0
Bishop Bhasera forced to resign?

…Resignation sets tongues wagging

TellZim reporter

Barely a month after wielding his powers and making some changes on Masvingo Roman Catholic Diocese by ‘demoting’ former Vica General Father Walter Nyatsanza to position of Priest before replacing him with Reverend Father Samson Mutsvanga, Bishop Michael Dixon Bhasera has called it quits amid speculation that he may have been forced to do so.
72 year-old Bhasera tendered his resignation almost three years before the church’s official retirement age of 75 that is if no ill health conditions would have influenced the decision.
Though the resignation is shrouded in mystery and unclear circumstances, a Press statement dated July 19 was released from the Apostolic Nunciature in Zimbabwe circulated confirming the resignation of Bhasera as accepted by Pope Francis.
“His Holiness Pope Francis has accepted the resignation from the pastoral care of the Diocese of Masvingo, presented by the Right Reverend Bishop Michael Dixon Bhasera.
“Pending the nomination of a new Bishop, the Most Reverend Robert Christopher Ndlovu ArchBishop of Harare has been appointed Apostolic Administrator and Nutum Sanctae Sedis of the Diocese of Masvingo,” read the statement.
Contacted for comment, Bishop Bhasera referred questions to Vica General Fr Samson Mutsvanga who is the spokesperson for the church.
“You can contact Fr Mutsvanga the Vica General who is the spokesperson,” he said.
Fr Mutsvanga however did not shed much light on the resignation saying the resignation could have been as a result of the Bishop feeling it was time to do so.
“I do not have any comment on the Bishop’s resignation. Even the Press Release did not provide any details or reasons for the resignation,” he said.
Quizzed on the issue of allegations of investigations against the Bishop, Fr Mutsvanga said he knows nothing about such.
“Maybe he just saw it’s high time for him to quit. If there are any allegations, I know nothing about them,” he added.
Bishop Bhasera wrote a letter on May 30 which set June 3 as deadline for the transfers of Father Nyatsanza to St Barbra Bangala Mission while Rev Fr Alex Mukaro was re-assigned to St Vitalis Neshuro as Assistant Priest.
Reports of bad blood between Bhasera and Nyatsanza allegedly emanated from the speech the latter made at a Mass in Bikita while celebrating good 2021 Advanced and Ordinary Level results posted by Silveira Mission where he called for the need for injection of new, younger blood in leadership positions.
However, Bhasera poured cold water on the allegations of the seemingly bad blood between the two saying it was part and parcel of their tradition as the church to re-assign leaders.
“What could be the problem with those changes? Last month we had a number of changes and we are used to that, hence there is nothing new about it.
“If one’s term of office expires, changes are imminent. It’s more like part of our tradition as a church. The changes had nothing to do with what Fr Nyatsanza could have said in Bikita. Whoever said that, could have mistakenly said so,” said Bhasera.
Now that the Bishop has resigned a month after the changes, speculation is rife that it seems he wanted to get rid of Fr Nyatsanza of his influential position before retiring.
Some sources however claim that the now retired Bishop has decided to press the exit route button before explosion of the mess bomb which has bedeviled some catholic schools, lately with Gokomere schools administrators being dragged before the courts for plundering school resources allegedly at the behest of the responsible authority, which is the church.
Parents of learners at both schools approached the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) to investigate the school administrators as well as Priest in Charge James Magadzire over misappropriation of funds and the cases are still pending at Masvingo Magistrates court.
The Gokomore CPS trio will be back in court on August 2 after aggrieved parents recently approached the National Prosecuting Authority to facilitate for their timely prosecution as they alleged that it was taking longer than expected, while the administrators continued to be on duty at the school despite having a case at the courts.
Rumors circulating after Bhasera’s resignation were also that there had allegedly been an ongoing investigation by the church emanating from reports of abuse of office also characterized by persecution of perceived enemies including some priests who were ousted by the bishop.
The allegations are also that a certain priest wrote to Rome (church headquarters) exposing the rot in the diocese that instigated the alleged investigations.

Government hijacks, dumps community clinic project

TellZim News
-
0
Government hijacks, dumps community clinic project

… Unused building material disappearing

Brighton Chiseva

ZAKA – Government through the Ministries of Health and Child Care and Public Works and National Housing hijacked a community clinic project in Zaka and later dumped it midway a development that has seen some unused bricks at the centre being stolen by the public.
The Mbuyamaswa clinic project in ward 9 of Zaka Central constituency was started around 2017 and about 500 bags of cement for the construction of the same clinic bought through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) dried up rendering them unusable after being kept in a local facility for a long time.
However, government through the two ministries took over the construction of the clinic in 2021 and completed the superstructure only to dump the project at that stage and until now, no progress has been registered.
Since last year community members have been complaining over the slow pace at which the project was moving as other clinics like Four Miles which was started at the same time with Mbuyamaswa are only waiting for commissioning.
Local councilor Moses Mutandavari confirmed the project’s delay and said it was now a challenge for him as the community keeps on asking him what the actual position is of which he has no answers to them. He went on to say if the situation continues like, that material will be completely vandalized.
“I am not sure when the project will continue since it was stopped last year and if you want to know more about the progress check with the Ministry of Public Works. I am equally worried over the project as it has become a cause of concern as the community continues to pester me over the matter,” said Mutandavari.

One staff house left at foundation level

He said the structure was roofed but is yet to be plastered both internal and external walls as well as flooring and other touch ups saying in the staff quarters two houses were at footing level.
“The structure is complete but yet to be plastered both in and outside as well as floors and ceiling. Two staff houses are at footing stage. There is no security at the site and people could be stealing bricks as we speak and I cannot monitor because I stay a distant from the place,” said Mutandavari
Contacted for comment, Zaka District Medical Officer Doctor Mutero Mupereki said the project was stalled because of funds but said some funds were released recently and work could resume anytime but referred questions for finer details to Public Service.
“Treasury released funds into Public Works Department for the completion of Mbuyamaswa. The department is now busy with planning and construction of the clinic will be resuming soon. For more information contact public works,” said Mupereki.

Unused bricks lying idle

Masvingo Provincial Public Works Director Peter Muzite could not give a comment on the matter as he said he wanted to consult his bosses first but later on failed to answer calls.
“I have to consult my bosses first and will get back to you by end of day,” said Muzite
Zaka Central Legislator Davison Svuure said he was equally worried about the slow pace at which the project was moving but said he had received information about the release of some funds towards the project that could resume soon.

Winds of change should blow towards Zimbabwe

TellZim News
-
0
Winds of change should blow towards Zimbabwe

But Ladies and gentlemen, before we talk about today’s issues let me hasten to ask you this, takazoti munhu anoenda pachikomo anenge akaita sei zviya? What is a national hero to say the least, is it being a Zanu PF member or someone who have contributed to the development of this country? We need to have a written down document on who should be a hero and it should not be debated and not be Zanu PF or the president’s prerogative. How can one be declared a hero at personal discretion? Honestly kungoti any looter who has died is a hero is not a doing kkk. Ana Chidawu vongonzi ma national heroes ava vakamboitei chaizvo? What did he do except looting and being involved munana Pomona saga imomu nxaa. Isusu vanaMapombi the real heroes who died for this country are suffering but even ndikafa no one will debate my hero status. Don’t you think how I am speaking and telling the truth is fighting? How I am braving and coping with the chilly weather owing to Tugwi-Mukosi dam. Hey the cold spell looks like is going to persist apa I HAVE NO JUZI MMMM. I want to believe that Tugwi-Mukosi is combining efforts with Mutirikwi because Kyle ari ega zvaisambodai. I think it’s because this dam is being underutilised, if it was I don’t think it would have the power to produce these cold fronts. Do we really have a government in this country; if we have then it is biased. How can we the people from Masvingo and Chivi only benefit Chando while Chiredzi people enjoy the water? The host to the dams are not benefiting anything kunze kweChando. Haaya now Dendairy yototanga madiridziro eLucerne yavo nemvura yekwaChivi vagary veko vakati vavava, hee Master plan is complete but it is taking years to implement and I doubt if ever there is any such.
But why are we Zimbabweans misinterpreting the Bible, a whole Chief failing to understand that though the bible says Muporofita haana rukudzo kune vekwake, some like Isaiah and Elijah fought oppressive kings.Look at Ahab and Naboth vineyard debacle. The new Pan African Chief is doing it the wrong way and now he is proving not to respect his own people and favour the Zambians. The bible clearly states that charity begins at home iwe Zephania. I saw a video the Chief without land visiting hospitals across the Zambezi apo. Haaa Hichilema waakaromba naye mukukutu shuwa. Ko muporofita arikuda dunhu risiri rekwakeka apa. I saw him dishing out ma US$ 100 to women there zvavasati vakamboita chero paNemamwa haayas. As if that was not enough, he went on a buying spree kuChitima market yekuZambia ikoko ndikashamisika kuti ko madomasi voda kozvibikira here kana kuti varikugara muHotera. Chete zvese zviriko hazvirambiwe. Very funny kkk. We need you to visit paProvincial Hospital apa before going kuZambia.
Ko I hear mweya wakabata Boris recently spread to Italy, why are our prayers always being answered in Europe vakomana, why can’t our leaders do the same than to wait and be humiliated like what is happening to Chakwera kunana Chabwino paMalawi apa kkkk. I salute the people of Malawi, they defended their vote paya and now they are demonstrating against nonsense from Chakwera. I knew people of Malawi were being deceived by Chakwera’s accent but chaizikanwa hapana paya kkk. Kunzwa British accent vakati zvedu zvaita kkk he will be able to negotiate for better deals with the Europeans. Zimbabweans should also learn the same, changing the government is not always the solution we saw it in 2017. Again if vetted, ukabhaiza you should go, especially when you fail to fulfil promises kkk. Kana angopinda 2023 akangobhaiza we should kick him out, hatidi vanozoti ndipei more time because nyika yange yanyanya kuparara when at rallies they are busy promising people that they can fix it within a very short period.
I pray every day that those winds of change should blow towards this side, we need it here, and we should rectify the mistake we made together in 2017. Everyone was there and it’s now everyone’s duty to play a part as we did in November. If I had the power I would just make sure kuti those who are on top have resigned because they have really failed. Ukaona a whole president aakuita zvekudonator zvitiyo kkkk. I thot zvakapera naMboko zvino iiii. Chete ED is good at copying haanawo zvake zvaanogona kutanga. Even the scarf issue was copied from Banana kkkk.
But guys in 2023 dai mamboitawo Nero ambotorawo vakomana, ko handiti haasi mutorwa here, he grew up pedu paGutu zvozikanwa nemuhu wese kwete vamwe vane controversial upbringing. Moda afe asina kutongawo moti vana Johanna vongofa vasina kumboita enjoy here. Moda vanaSikhala vadii sure kkkk? But kana mapinda hatidi vanozoti takaifira tikaisungirwa, everyone is a hero now. But imi maChinja why do you whistle when Chin’ono and Ruhanya praise sing CCC but motsamwa when the same rebuke you. Toda vanhu vanobvuma kutsiurwa imi aaah.
But guys do two walk together unless they have made an appointment? Yes/No and the answer will depend on how you feel about or view the subject matter. Kkkk asika Marko Simbanda akamboimba yaDhongi naMvuu and am sure you all know how the clever donkey tricked the Hippo kuti amurovese nevanhu. I hear this is what happened between ED and the Generari. The Generari was promised that Scarfmore will have one term ivo votora imwe but we all heard him saying 2030 ndenge ndichipo. Anyway, the soldier or general who intervened or mobilized such a sanitized military coup in 2017 is now struggling to remind his master of their agreement of one term. We all know what later happened when the donkey wanted to cross the flooded river kkk. 2023 I don’t think the donkey will cross and the Hippo will be there to remind him.
Ko I saw Mr Ibu’s twin brother bouncing back from hibernation kkk. Mahiya is back with his usual ugliness kkkk, chakatowedzera kushata wena. I thought akatevera twiny Matemadanda kuMozambique kkkk. I am sure his coming back means something; remember he was at the forefront towards November 2017. Something is brewing mirai muone, ndotemba naMahiya.
Before I go hangu kunokanga maputi angu for lunch, where is our own accent guy? Kkk we have our own guy with the British accent who was overshadowed naFadzi Mahere. I am talking about Nero’s George Charamba, the presidential spokesperson Dr Ngululeko or Nkululeko Sibanda hameno. He is quiet these days with his accent, I miss it so much kkk. Sure he just disappeared like Mboko, if anyone sees him please tell him we miss him so much and his accent. If you see Mboko tell him kuti ED is copying him on chicks and incubators kkkk. Mboko imboko.

Generous Macheso remembers System Tazvida in Masvingo

TellZim News
-
0
Generous Macheso remembers System Tazvida in Masvingo

…calls ‘prodigal’ dancer Antonio ‘Dorido’ to re-join the band

Courage Dutiro

Sungura ace Alick Macheso who took his fans to cloud-nine over the weekend at Masvingo’s hub of entertainment Caravan Park remembered the late Fanuel ‘System’ Tazvida in his home city.

Tazvida who was popularly known as Rombe reZaka hailed from Chinyaradza area in Zaka district about 90 km southeast of Masvingo city which is home to the national monument and United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site, Great Zimbabwe which is the umbilical cord that connects the nation with its history.

Macheso brought back Tazvida to memories of some of the merrymakers by performing one of Tazvida’s hit songs known by many as ‘Anodyiwa haataure’.

Tazvida was a popular Sungura singer who rose to stardom in the 1990s and was best known for his enchanting statements in most of his songs and for being a social commentator.

Before forming the Chazezesa Challengers, Tazvida had performed with different bands including Khiama Boys, Mabhauwa Express and Sungura Boys.

Sungura music is a popular genre in Southern Africa that originated from East and Central Africa.

The name Sungura is a Swahili word for “hare” and the genre was named such because of the high velocity in which the hare can run.

The Chazezesa Challengers front man was born on May 2, 1968 and died on February 4 1999, leaving the band in the hands of his younger brother Peter who also died in 2002.

Tazvida recorded several albums including Rudo, Tsika nemagariro (1994), Mutunhu unemago in 1995, Wadenha Mago in 1996 and Watosvorwa in 1997.

After remembering Tazvida, the generous Macheso also remembered and called his prodigal band member and dancer Forward Antonio who displayed a classic show to join the people’s band (Band revanhu) on its world tour and become part of the band.

“Asi kanofamba kamufana aka (this young man is a good dancer). Undione kana ndadzoka Harare (come to me directly when we are back in Harare). Toda kuenda kuDubai, New Zealand topedzisiria neAustralia (We will be having tours in Dubai, New Zealand and the last one being in Australia), ukaita lucky ka ndokugadzirira mapepa (if you are fortunate enough, I will process your papers too).

“Ndakatengera band maStands, Divine yake akutopedza (I bought stands for the band members and Divine is now at a better stage). Ukaita luck Antonio ndokutengera yako. Hameno wauya wakazorei nhasi mufana, (I don’t know what type of charm/ spell have you used today young man)” said Macheso.

It is said Antonio had followed the band from Harare to Masvingo at his own expense.
Antonio is among some of the Orchestra Mberikwazvo members who were shown the exit door back in 2017 over indiscipline.

Among some members who were expelled are guitarists Donald Gogo and Tafirei Nyamunda.

However, Macheso’s bouncers are said to have terrorized some of Masvingo’s fourth estate members at the entrance into the show.

Fans got a special treat and value for their money as the Sungura king fused yester year hit songs and those from the recently-released album.

Una Una maul Buffalos, leapfrog Ruwa ProGroup

TellZim News
-
0
Una Una maul Buffalos, leapfrog Ruwa ProGroup

TellZim reporter

Scenes of jubilation engulfed Mucheke stadium on July 17 as Masvingo United rediscovered the winning formula as they eased past determined visiting Army side Buffalos and crept into third position above Ruwa ProGroup though tied on similar number of points and aggregate.
Una Una who seemed to have lost their ground in the title race following a spate of poor results with more draws than wins utilized on the few chances they created and bagged three valuable points.
Masvingo are now in third place with 34 points apiece with Ruwa ProGroup who lost one-nil to another Masvingo- based side Wangu Mazodze FC at the same venue on July 16.
Despite exchanging neat passes early in the opening stages, the Army side failed to convert the possession into goals and it was Washington Ncube who put the hosts in the driving seat after coolly slotting home a rebound after the woodwork had saved the visitors.
A powerful drive from the left boot of Munyaradzi Mazorodze (Nyaga) gave Buffaloes goal minder no chance before it hit the crossbar only for an alert Washington Ncube (Tutu) to slot the rebound to the far left side of the goalkeeper with the away team defenders flat footed.
The teams went to the break with Masvingo clinching on to the narrow margin. After the interval, an enterprising Sean Mutongi gave Buffalos defenders a torrid time in office as he took them on with skill and pace and his efforts were rewarded almost midway the second half.
A desperate defender bundled the lanky striker down only for Captain Admire ‘Dhumbe’ Banda to drive a powerful spot kick beyond the keeper’s reach.
After the second goal, a rejuvenated Masvingo became settled with fans cheering on the team as they comfortably controlled pace while Buffalos created a few chances which they failed to convert.
Masvingo coach had to inject more energy as he capitalized on the new rules and made some changes as his side held on to the two goals which ensured they are tied with Ruwa though Una Una have a game in hand.
After claiming their first victory since the beginning of second half of the league, Una Una team manager Fidelis Nyahwai said the match marks end of the cycle of draws and defeats.
“We are very happy with the outcome; we have been on a winless spell for a long time. The team has been recording too many draws but we did not lose hope. The boys played well and we managed to break the cycle of defeats and draws. We are promising our fans more victories till the end of the season,” said Nyahwai.
He also affirmed that the team has been failing to please its legion of fans in the past games due to too many draws.
Masvingo enjoyed a rich vein of form before the mid-season break where they were part of the leading pack just two points shy of now second-placed Mutare City Rovers.
Meanwhile log leaders Green Fuel remains on course for promotion into the Premier Soccer League (PSL) as they maintained their unbeaten run with a 1-0 home victory over Mutoko-based JM Busha.
Second-placed Mutare City Rovers edged past Surrey FC with a similar score line though they remain nine points adrift.

Satanism scare rocks Mwenezi’s Nikita Secondary School

TellZim News
-
0
Satanism scare rocks Mwenezi’s Nikita Secondary School

Cephas Shava

Mwenezi– Serious satanism suspicions have rocked Mwenezi West’s Nikita Secondary School in ward 10 after 17 school girls allegedly developed some hysteria which some are linking to an initiation allegedly practised by some named individuals at the school.
The weird incident which occurred at the school premises on July 13 has left locals with more questions than answers with parents of the affected girls proposing to embark on a witch-hunt to identify the culprits.
Although no immediate comment could be obtained from the school head, as his cell phone repeatedly went unreachable till the time of writing, the area’s traditional leader, Chief Mazetese born Finger Tapera confirmed the incident.
“On Wednesday July 13, a total of 17 Nikita Secondary School girls developed some hysteria during lessons. For some considerable time, they collapsed with some wriggling as snakes do with their bellies on the ground uttering names of certain known individuals,” said Chief Mazetese.
The traditional leader who did not rule out the possibility of Satanism said having visited the school following the report, he is now engaging all stakeholders on the possible way forward to avert the recurrence of such incidents which he said is the second of its kind at the same school as it also took place last year.
“We are currently engaging all stakeholders and currently as it stands, parents of the affected girls have proposed to embark on a witch-hunt and had already requested to gather some money so that working together we will explore all avenues to unearth the real source of such problems,” he added.
A worried parent who hails from Mvundlana village in ward 10 under Chief Mazetese, whose child was part of the affected girls, told TellZim News that the incident is still haunting her child who is yet to return to school following the debacle.
“My child is doing form four and due to the pain inflicted during the hysteria, she sustained some scars on her ankles and elbows. She is still fearful to return to school as the incident still lingers in her mind.
“I am contemplating transferring her but the problem is that she is supposed to write her final examinations this year. I am really worried about this incident and there is need for school authorities to give the issue a well-deserved priority for the good of our children,” he said.
In a related case, an almost similar case was a few weeks ago witnessed at Masaswe Secondary School located in Mwenezi East’s ward 13. The school head Noel Njaravani earlier on confirmed the incident through saying the situation was now under control.
“I am not really sure what really ignited the scenario but we had a case whereby nine girls and a boy developed some hysteria while at school.
“They would wail with some falling complaining of some headache but as I speak, the situation is under control and the parents of concerned pupils were advised and came to accompany their children to their respective homes. Right now we are yet to encounter any other case of that nature,” said Njaravani.

EMA launches open shafts rehabilitation programme in Shurugwi

TellZim News
-
0
EMA launches open shafts rehabilitation programme in Shurugwi

Tinaani Nyabereka/ Branton Matondo

Shurugwi-Minister of Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Mangaliso Ndlovu on Monday (July 11) this week launched the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) rehabilitation programme of open pits in the Midlands at Edward Farm.
The rehabilitation programme is being stirred by Unki Anglo American, Washrock and JRG Gordard as efforts to encourage miners to rehabilitate open shafts and make the areas usable.
The open pits were opened by illegal miners who have been embarking on various illegal mining activities around the province.
Speaking on the sidelines of the launch and the belated World Environment Day commemorations at Msasa Primary School in Shurugwi, Ndlovu said EMA is however going to also decisively deal with anyone caught engaging in illegal mining operations.
“We see much harm has been done to the environment through illegal mining activities and this has greatly affected our water bodies and left the public in danger to open mining pits. Pursuits cannot be acceptable in any society and my ministry, through the sector regulator, EMA will henceforth decisively deal with such deviant operators and in doing so will work with the Joint Operation Command (JOC).
“Indeed there shall be strict enforcement of Environmental Impact Assessments in the interest of protecting our mother Earth while also promoting economic growth in line with our National Development Strategy 1 aspirations,” said Ndlovu.
He further said it is important to note that the global economy is now tied to biodiversity.
“I urge the public to embrace the opportunities and value of the natural environment and not work against it. Let us live in harmony with nature, for indeed we only have this one earth. Without action, exposure to air pollution beyond safe guidelines will increase by 50 per cent within a decade and plastic waste flowing into land and aquatic ecosystems will nearly triple by 2040.
“While our individual consumption choices do make a difference, it is collective action that will create the transformative environmental change we need, so that we can advance to a more sustainable nature, where everyone and everything can flourish. I therefore implore communities to sustainably utilize natural resources taking into consideration that future generations would also want to benefit from them.
“Our actions such as stream bank cultivation, destruction of wetlands, deforestation and wanton land degradation through among others, illegal mining activities are detrimental. The Great Dyke is in Midlands province which makes it rich in mineral deposits. However, the unsustainable extraction of these minerals especially gold and chrome has resulted in massive land degradation. If we continue on this destructive pathway, the coming generations will only inherit the dangerous pits, unusable farm land and contaminated water bodies, just to name a few.” he added.
Ndlovu further urged the Midlands community to adopt sustainable mining principles for the benefit of current and future generations.
Minister of State for Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution Larry Mavima said the province had about 30% of its landscape being classified as open grasslands which spells out how vulnerable it is to wild fires.
He added that there is need to ensure that rehabilitated mined areas are back to their usable state for the benefit of other environmental related activities.
The celebrations were held under theme ‘Only one Earth-Living Sustainably in Harmony with Nature’.

Japanese embassy donates diagnostic machine to Msiso hospital

TellZim News
-
0
Japanese embassy donates diagnostic machine to Msiso hospital

Brighton Chiseva

ZAKA – It was all smiles at St Anthony’s Msiso Mission Hospital as the health institution received a special diagnostic machine from the Japanese Embassy to Zimbabwe through its partnership with Solidamed.
The Embassy deputy head of mission delivered the Chemistry Analyser Machine which is worth more than US$ 25 000.
Zaka District Medical Doctor Dr Mutero Mupereki said they are happy for such a donation which he said was facilitated by Solidamed, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) which works in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoCC).
He thanked the Japanese Embassy and Solidamed saying the machine would go a long way in improving access to health in the district where some patients who require the services of the machine have had to part ways with a lot of money as they were always referred to Masvingo and would get the services at private hospitals.
“I want to thank the Embassy and Solidamed for making life easier for us and our patients. We can now monitor the local patients because for the past six years we had no such a machine and we would always refer our patients to private laboratories in Masvingo.
“So imagine travelling from some of the areas down there to Masvingo where they will be charged again for the service since they could not access it at public hospitals,” said Dr Mupereki.
He described the machine as a ‘life saver’ saying it takes a very short time to run the diagnosis a development which means they can serve many people a day.
“This machine will enable us to serve our larger clientele as we want to monitor our patients routinely and timely at a very low cost. We are expecting to have an influx of patients from neighbouring districts who would want to use the machine,” he added.
Most public health facilities have been facing a host of challenges from drugs, equipment and even human resource as at some points in time health personnel would boycott work over poor conditions at work places coupled with poor salaries.

Local government ministry finally visits Bikita RDC

TellZim News
-
0
Local government ministry finally visits Bikita RDC

…stakeholders urge ministry to auction vehicles in question

Emmanuel Chitsika 

The Ministry of Local Government and Public Works has finally reacted to the petition letters written by stakeholders in Bikita over alleged malpractices and corruption-related actions by council management.

After stakeholders who include Bikita Business Association (BBA), Bikita Residents Association (BIRA) and Duma Residents and Ratepayers Association (DURRA), petitioned the parent ministry to intervene, the wait is over as a four member delegation form the ministry’s head office held meetings with them on July 20, 2022.

The delegation reportedly led by one Simbiso Dauramanzi had a meeting that lasted for at least four hours though council officials were not part of the proceedings.

BIRA spokesperson Mark Mutengani confirmed the meeting and some of the resolutions the stakeholders presented to the delegation.

“We were invited to a meeting by an investigating team from the ministry’s head office that was on a fact finding/investigation mission. The team has been here since Monday (July 18). They wanted to gather information on the vehicle purchase issue as well as borehole drilling saga,” said Mutengani.

He also outlined some of the resolution proposals they presented to the delegation.

“On the vehicle purchase scandal, we resolved the vehicles be auctioned for the purpose of channelling the proceeds towards buying essentials like fire tender, ambulances or even the sewer reticulation system in Duma suburb. On the issue of borehole drilling scheme, we called for a thorough investigation into the matter for the sake of establishing the actual cost of the boreholes as well as the tenders involved. The officials however promised to make site visits to the boreholes.

“We also proposed an immediate stop on parceling out of stands on wetlands and drill boreholes for the affected communities to avoid likely disease outbreaks. Since residents pay development levies, we encouraged council to ensure the revenue goes straight to the intended purposes.

“As concerned residents, we also urged the officials to consider a lifestyle audit on council employees since we feel their lives are highly questionable,” he added.

DURRA secretary William Mutseneki also echoed Mutengani’s sentiments though he said they also presented on the need for council to value stakeholders’ input on priorities.

“Even if we submit on five year plans, our input is left out and we wonder why council always ignore us despite being key stakeholders.

“We presented our wish for council to be considerate of all stakeholders’ views and work together towards development,” said Mutseneki.

However, contacted to comment on the meeting, one of the officials declined to comment and said the ministry or District Development Coordinator (DDC) is the rightful authority to do so.

“I am not allowed to comment on such issues. Either you call the DDC or the ministry head office,” said the official.

Bikita RDC has been embroiled in a number of disputes with resident associations and business community after the former purchased six top of the range Toyota Hilux GD6 for Head of Departments before privatising the registration plates.

1...295296297...957Page 296 of 957