Ministry moves to end Harare water woes Dr Chombo
Dr Chombo

Dr Chombo

FaraiKuvirimirwa Herald Reporter
The illegal economic sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe by Western powers and their allies have contributed to the acute shortage of water in urban councils and dilapidated road infrastructure, Local Government, Public Works and National Housing Minister Dr Ignatius Chombo has said.
Speaking at the interactive meeting on service delivery for Harare on Thursday, Dr Chombo said the World Bank stopped facilitating loans for the country because of the embargo.

As a result, he said, Harare City Council had to source US$144 million from China’s Import and Export Bank which will be channelled to the rehabilitation of Morton Jaffray Water Treatment Plant and the Prince Edward Water Station.

The event was attended by Parliamentarians, Minister of State for Harare Metropolitan Province Mrs Mirriam Chikukwa, Harare mayor Bernard Manyenyeni, resident organisations’ representatives and councillors.

“We used to borrow money from the World Bank under what was called Urban 1 and 2 and it was used on houses and road construction, among others,” said Dr Chombo.

“Because of economic sanctions, we could not get anything and the only people who want to support us were the Chinese.
“We had to listen to them since they said we have to buy plant machinery from their country which is the same thing done by Americans and the British whenever they want to avail assistance. So, the Chinese engineers will install the pumps.”

Dr Chombo said the Chinese were not to be held accountable if Zimbabwean engineers installed the equipment at Morton Jaffray and that he signed as a guarantor together with former Finance Minister Tendai Biti. He further explained that residents should expect feedback from councillors they voted into office for the sake of progress.

Minister Chombo urged home-seekers to desist from acquiring residential stands from unscrupulous co-operatives.
“Our mandate revolves around service delivery and councillorship is not about personal enrichment, nor personal glory, but it is about civic responsibility,” he said.

Upon being asked on who they consulted when they borrowed the money and why they did not wholly employ local engineers at Morton Jaffray, Harare Town Clerk Dr Tendai Mahachi said technology and machinery used on the rehabilitation process was new to local engineers who required to undergo training. “They are transferring technology to our people and they will work with Zimbabwean companies and at the same time transferring technology so that in the future we can commission the plants.

“Council resolved to borrow money and it was advertised in papers for residents to comment. There was nothing negative when the advert was flighted.

“After the rehabilitation, water will be available to areas such as Borrowdale and Highlands, which will mean more revenue to be realised,” said Dr Mahachi.

Upon being asked on what council was doing on the Golden Quarry dumpsite, Dr Mahachi said the city has since closed the dumping area and there will be deployment of municipal police officers to arrest companies that are dumping harzardous chemicals.

Mayor Manyenyeni said challenges are being faced by councils and there are reports which indicate all councils are technically broke.
“We have an ambition to service delivery and we will want to do something achievable. There will be no witch-hunts and this is an appropriate time and that we understand what was signed by Minister Chombo and Minister Biti regarding the US$144 million.

“If resources are not permissible, councillors have a duty to come back and say we cannot do this. There might be quick wins required, we will do them with the little resources,” he said.

Minister Chikukwa said she anticipated that people desist from constructing houses everywhere and follow the council by-laws which she said would contribute to the restoration of the city’s sunshine status.

“We will work with satellite towns and it will not be on a partisan basis. I will ensure there will be progress in Harare and law breakers face prosecution. There will be no nepotism and we must unite for the betterment of Harare,” she said.

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