Clever Taperamoyo
MASVINGO – Masvingo United Residents and Ratepayers Association (Murra) and the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) last week held a mobile legal clinic to educate residents on many areas of interest.
Held at Mucheke Hall, the event sought to explore the role of local authorities and their residents, as well as to educate the public on legal matters so that the law can protect them.
Residents who attended the clinic blamed council for poor service delivery and shoddy workmanship which resulted in burst pipes, disintegrating roads, inflated water bills, secretive land deals and the harassment of vendors.
ZLHR regional manager Blessing Nyamaropa said his organisation was committed to advising people on their rights in matters to do with service delivery.
“We want to advise people on legal issues; things like how to deal with matters of service delivery. We are committed to giving legal advice to those who need it as a way of spreading access to legal services and justice,” said Nyamaropa
He said the 2013 constitution provided for rights to such things as clean water, food and a clean environment but those rights were subject to the availability of resources, making it mandatory for residents to play their part.
Murra programmes officer Esther Nyambiya thanked residents for their participation and opinions, and took time to explain the collaboration with ZLHR.
“We engaged the lawyers so that residents will get legal advice should there be need for that, so that the rights of residents can be protected even through litigation, that is if the need arises,” said Nyambiya.local
