…as council discharges raw sewage into incomplete Mucheke Trunk Sewer

Melinda Kusemachibi

Residents in Masvingo are reportedly living in fear of a possible disease outbreak after Masvingo City Council reportedly discharged raw sewage into the long awaited and incomplete Mucheke Trunk Sewer which is now more than 10 years old since its construction started.
The raw sewage is flowing into Mucheke River at the foot path that crosses the river on the way to Rujeko A high density suburb, with volumes of sewer making their way into the already polluted river at a connection point where the trunk sewer contractors joined with metal pipes.
When TellZim News crew visited the area, they caught up with one resident who expressed shock at such a move by the local authority and blamed the city fathers for neglecting welfare of residents in case of a disease outbreak arising.
“What is happening here is bad. How can council discharge raw sewerage into a natural water body like a river? These people at Town House are not serious at all. How can they neglect the welfare of ratepayers who part ways with their hard earned cash when they pay their rates? They only prioritize the purchase of luxurious vehicles for their top management at the expense of our health.
“Discharging sewerage into an incomplete sewer system shows lack of seriousness on their part. I challenge you to bring responsible engineers to visit these places and explain why they do such things,” said the resident.
Contacted for comment Masvingo Town Clerk Engineer Edward Mukaratirwa said he was busy before asking the reporter to contact him after two hours after which his mobile phone went unanswered.
“Please can you contact me after two hours because right now I am busy? Call me later,” said Mukaratirwa.
Environmental Management Authority (EMA) Provincial Manager Milton Muusha said his team is looking at the issue.
“The discharge has since been attended to. I have asked my officer who was on the ground with council to rectify the problem to compile a short report which I will share with you tomorrow (May 11),” said Muusha.
In the 2019 Auditor General Mildred Chiri’s report on local authorities rapped Masvingo city council for contaminating water bodies through disposal of raw sewage into Mucheke and Shagashe rivers that feed into Lake Mutirikwi, Masvingo’s main water source.

Completion of the ‘legacy project’ has remained a headache for the local authority after its construction began after over a decade ago.
In 2012, City of Masvingo advertised a tender to construct the Mucheke Trunk Sewer, a pipeline running roughly parallel to Mucheke River and planned to link with the sewer plant in Eastvale.
Covering a stretch of 7km, the new sewer trunk is meant to extend to the fairly new and sprawling Victoria Ranch suburb just outside Masvingo.
Initially Harare-based Mutual Construction (Pvt) Ltd was awarded the tender after beating at least 10 other bidders and council fixed a US$2,1 million loan from the National Social Security Authority (NSSA) to fund the project.
As at March, 3 2021 checks have however revealed that Mutual Construction was not among the 108 professional firms listed on the Engineering Council of Zimbabwe (ECZ) website.
Project development kicked off in 2012 and was supposed to be completed within a year, but work stopped in early 2013.
Mutual Construction had removed its equipment that remained on the project site by the end of 2014, save for the giant 750-1200mm diameter cement-asbestos pipes purchased from Turnall Holdings.
In 2015, council put out a public notice borrowing a further US$1, 7 million to fund resumption of work on the project. But barely a quarter of the job has been done.
According to a recent report, Masvingo reported an average of 2 812 sewer blockages per year and was blamed for lack of supervision and lack of enforcement of contract agreements by its engineers and staff.

…Move follows Tongaat decision to suspend advance payment to sugarcane farmers

Beatific Gumbwanda

CHIREDZI-The government through Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) has responded positively towards giant sugar producer Tongaat Hulett Zimbabwe’s (THZ) and made an about turn to exonerate sugarcane farmers after the latter’s decision to announce suspension of advance payments to sugarcane farmers for the 2022-23 farming season.

The company argued that the credits they used to offer farmers are financed through loaning systems from financial institutions and thus the pronouncement by President Emmerson Mnangagwa to suspend banks from giving credit facilities to both the public and private sectors.

Last week president Emerson Mnangagwa said his government  was putting in place measures to restore macro-economic stability, boost confidence in the economy, increase the appeal of the local currency, preserve value for depositors and investors and deal with market indiscipline.

Among an array of measures to regain confidence, President Mnangagwa also introduced the suspension of lending by banks aimed at minimizing the creation of broad money that is prone to abuse for purposes of manipulating the exchange rate for financial gains and to allow current investigations, lending by banks to both the Government and the private sector until further notice.

In response to these measures, Tongaat Hulett Zimbabwe (THZ) which is the country’s sole sugar producer took heed of the government policy and suspended advance payments to farmers for the 2022/23 season, which was going to bring the sugarcane industry to its knees.

THZ Chief Operating Officer James Bowmaker wrote to farmers on May 12, 2022, informing them that they have suspended the advance system following government directives of suspending loaning systems.

“It is with regret that the millers advise of the immediate suspension of advance payments until further notice. We normally fund the advances from loan proceeds that we access from the banks. Following the recent suspension of lending by banks, we find ourselves unable to continue offering advances,” wrote Bowmaker.

Having noticed that they had created an economic turmoil, the RBZ wrote on its twitter account, on the 12th of May 12, at around 22:32 hours, notifying that the recent suspension does not apply to marketable commodities.

“Suspension of lending facilities does not apply to marketable commodities such as tobacco, cotton, sugar, maize etc. all banks have been advised accordingly,” wrote RBZ.

Over the years, THZ was paying farmers in advance way before their sugar was sold, so the company financed this programme through loaning system, while most farmers were growing their sugarcane through loans from banks, which implies that government policy of banning loaning system had brought the country’s sugar production to its knees.

As a follow up to implement President’s directive, Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe’s (RBZ) Director, Bank Supervision, P.T Madamombe wrote to all banks on May 9, 2022 on the new measures to restore confidence, preserve value and restore macroeconomic stability to be put in place with immediate effect.

The indefinite decision by government to suspend lending by financial institutions has been labeled ‘disastrous’ to an already ailing economy and likely to deal a heavy blow to the banking sector.

…As govt claims move is meant to restore economic stability

Emmanuel Chitsika

The decision by government to heavily descend on the financial sector where lending activities by banks, micro finances and other players in the sector have been banned has been described by experts as detrimental to the banking industry whose lifeline is on revenue accrued from loans and such related business.
Experts believe the move seeks to destroy the banking sector while they argue on the decree lacking a legal standing.
Economist Caleb Gwaindepi is sceptical of the move which he says is likely to negatively affect the economy in particular banking sector but government should have just regulated banks that lend money than suspending lending.
“Government should regulate and ensure that banks lend funds for productive activities, the Reserve Bank can monitor that since they have a monitoring division. Money creation for productive activities is not inflationary. Outright banning shows the Reserve Bank cannot do its job of regulating banks.
“Banning lending destroys the financial sector which is a critical provider of funds for productive activities in the economy. Their role is financial intermediation which is accepting deposits and passing them as loans,” said Gwaindepi.
He said such kind of a ‘command economy’ is detrimental to efforts of rebuilding the economy.
“It is a command economy and will not work; actually it will destroy efforts to rebuild the economy, without funding intermediation no productive activities take place. Furthermore it affects the good standing of banks and takes away credibility of monetary authorities,” he added.
Another commentator Nelson Munhuwamambo said the move is going to negatively impact on the already struggling economy.
“The move will see a reduction in the amount of currency in circulation which would lead to higher demand. Though what they are doing is meant towards trying to contain price hikes, that is likely to lead to cash shortages and the cost of borrowing will go up as money is likely to end up being disbursed through informal means from the central government which already has quite number of leakages.
“The inflation they are trying to contain will go unabated. Loss of investor confidence is also likely to be another effect from this overnight introduction of monetary measures and current investors may move out of the country to other lucrative ventures where investor confidence is guaranteed. The 2005/08 situation is likely to haunt the country. Also firms into manufacturing are likely to be affected which could add to already existing higher rates of unemployment,” said Munhuwamambo.
He also said the announcement lacks legal base as it is not in form of statutory instrument and might be deemed illegal.
“Also there is no legal basis in form of legislation to support such a move. No prior arrangements to cushion the economy from likely effects are in place whatsoever. That will lead to revert to limitations in quantity of commodities a particular individual would be allowed to purchase at a given time,” he added.
United Kingdom based lawyer Alex Magaisa was quoted in some sections of the media saying the announcement has no legal basis to take effect and hence financial institutions are not compelled to implement such resolutions.
“This is a shameful document by Zimbabwe’s central bank. Since it knows the decree has no legal foundation and there is no law compelling banks to comply with such a measure. There is no legal instrument under Zimbabwean laws called a ‘Presidential Announcement’,” wrote Magaisa.
As a result of the ballooning inflation, most businesses were forced to peg prices of basic goods in foreign currency abandoning the local currency whose value continues to crumble against the green back.
Following a wave of hikes in prices of basic commodities coupled with sky-rocketing inflation that has seen the local currency value dwindle in terms of value against the US$, a panicking Zimbabwean government has through the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) descended heavily on the already struggling banking sector and suspended issuing of loans by players in the financial sector.
In a communiqué undersigned by the Director Bank Supervision P T Madamombe dated May 9, 2022 addressed to all banking institutions, development finance, deposit taking and credit microfinance institutions, the Central Bank in support of the announcement by President Emmerson Mnangagwa on May 7 claimed the move would restore macro-economic stability in the country.
“We refer to the National Announcement of May 7, 2022 made by the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, His Excellency Dr E. D. Mnangagwa, on Measures to restore confidence, preserve value and restore macroeconomic stability, and the subsequent meeting of representatives of the banking sector with the Governor held on May 9, 2022. We bring to your attention paragraph 40 of the President’s announcement on the suspension of lending by banking institutions, building societies, development finance institutions. Deposit taking and credit-only micro-finance institutions to the government and private sector.
“For the avoidance of doubt, this suspension relates to all lending, whether local currency or foreign currency, to government and the private sector, including corporates, other legal entities and individuals. We further confirm that no new credit facilities should be issued as the suspension covers new loans, undrawn portions of agreed facilities, overdrafts and other forms of borrowing instruments, by whatsoever name they are called,” read part of the letter.

Tinaani Nyabereka

Mvuma—A self-styled Mvuma prophet of Johanne Masowe Echishanu who was arrested for allegedly raping a 15 year-old juvenile was last week re arrested for threatening both the victim and her family with death if the family refused to withdraw the court case.
The accused, Pepukayi Mutambu (39) of Hoto Village under Chief Hama is facing four rape charges as defined in Section 65 of the Criminal Law and Codification Act 9:23.
Appearing before Mvuma Provincial Magistrate Constance Mutandwa on Thursday last week, the accused was made to answer to the charges of threatening the complainant and her mother with death and madness.
He was was remanded in custody to June 9, 2022.
According to state papers , on April 19, the accused met the complainant at Chinyuni Business Centre and threatened the complainant to change her statement in court. He coerced the girl to tell the court that they were in love and refusal to do so would see Mutambu using the complainant’s undergarments to kill her.
It is said Mutambu however proceeded to threaten the complainant’s mother, Maceline Mushininga with madness on condition that she was supposed to withdraw the case.
Mushininga however reported the case at Charandura Police station on the 20th April, 2022 and Mutambu was arrested.
Mutambu allegedly raped the juvenile sometime in February this year. It is reported that Mutambu offered free use of his refrigerator to the complainant’s mother after she got some beef from a community beef sharing club commonly referred to as ‘beef committee’.
It is alleged that on 14 February, 2022 the complainant together with her minor cousin were sent to collect some meat for supper. Upon arrival, Mutambu sent Benjamin to his shrine with a message to the congregants who were gathered there.
The complainant then entered the room to collect meat in the fridge and Mutambu then followed her inside, closed the door and increased volume on his music system before raping the minor.
Mutambu then took the girl’s undergarments and threatened to use them to kill her or make her mad in the event that she disclosed the matter or refuse to sleep with him again. Mutambu reportedly raped the minor three times afterwards.
The matter was then reported at Charandura Police station on March 22, 2022. Mutambu was then trapped and arrested while at the complainant’s house where he was attempting to give the family a bribe of US$185. Mutambu was released on bail before his re-arrest on April 20 2022.
The juvenile was examined and a medical report was produced as exhibit in court.
Tfadzwa Zulu prosecuted

Tendai Charumbira

Youth in Zvamahande area in Masvingo West constituency’s ward 33 have embarked on small scale projects like mining and farming which local councilor Tawanda Dube said have helped in reducing the number of criminal activities in the area.
Youth in ward 33 are reported to be mining for gold at King Mine while others are engaged in growing vegetables for sale with others venturing into cooking floor polish, dish washing liquids and toilet detergents.
In an interview on the sidelines of belated World Press Freedom Day commemorations at Zvamahande Primary School in Mashava on May 8 hosted by TellZim News, Cllr Dube said that projects done by youth in the area have seen a reduction in crime, early marriages and Gender Based Violence (GBV).
“Projects that are done by youth in Zvamahande are reducing crime rate. There are now few cases of theft in the area and also it reduces early marriages as youths are more focused on projects while at the same reducing GBV as all people shift focus towards projects,” said Dube.
He also said these projects are minimizing drug and substance abuse in Zvamahande area and also these projects are helping parents as some of the youth are able to pay their own school fees.
“These projects done by Zvamahande youth help reduce consumption of drugs such as Mutoriro and dagga. It is also an advantage to some parents as some of the youth are now paying for their own school fees,” said Dube.
The sports day was sponsored by ZimMedia 21 and International Media Support (IMS) FOJO.
More than five soccer and five netball teams participated at the event, Shashe Zvamahande won first prize in soccer and were given a sum of USD$ 100 followed by Muzhi Sharks which was also given USD$50. Shashe King Mine won in women netball and walked away USD$100 richer followed by Chengeto team in second position getting USD$ 50.
Speaking at the same event Minister for Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Ezra Chadzamira urged all youths to venture into projects and sporting to reduce drug abuse.
“I urge all youths in Zvamahande to continue doing well in mining and farming projects to minimize the consumption of drugs like (mutoriro), I also appreciate all youth for attending this event,” said Chadzamira.