Staff Writer
As part of its continued efforts to ensure improved service delivery, the Zimbabwe National Organization of Associations and Residents Trust (ZNOART) will be embarking on a tour of areas where there are massive sewer leakages sites which are putting the health of Chitungwiza residents at risk.
The tour will be followed by a press conference.
This was revealed by the national residents lobby group chairman, Shalvar Chikomba in a statement.
“The Zimbabwe National Organisation of Associations and Residents Trust (ZNOART) will conduct a Tour of Chitungwiza Sewer Hotspots, followed by a Press Conference, as part of its continued advocacy for improved service delivery and the protection of residents’ health and the environment,”said Chikomba.
“This follows ZNOART’s 72-hour ultimatum to the Chitungwiza Municipality to urgently address the sewer crisis issued by ZNOART 30 days ago.
It also comes after the Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Hon. Daniel Garwe, directed struggling local authorities to submit detailed turnaround plans aimed at improving service delivery and addressing persistent governance challenges confirming the failure by Chitungwiza municipality that they have failed on their mandate”.
Chikomba said residents in Chitungwiza demand better service delivery and accountability or else the municipality authorities leadership must resign.
Chikomba also suggested that government appoints a commission to run the affairs of Chitungwiza.
“As residents we demand:
Improved and reliable service delivery in Chitungwiza.
A clear, practical and time-bound plan to permanently resolve the sewer and water crisis.
Accountability from the Chitungwiza Municipality for its continued failure to provide essential services.
“Immediate action to repair sewer infrastructure and protect residents from serious public health risks.
“Therefore:
Because Chitungwiza Municipality has failed to demonstrate the leadership and capacity required to address these challenges, we call upon the Executive and Councillors to take responsibility for the continued deterioration in service delivery and resign.
ZNOART further calls upon the Minister of Local Government and Public Works to appoint an inclusive Commission to administer the affairs of Chitungwiza in the interests of residents and to restore effective governance, accountability and quality service delivery.
“ZNOART invites all residents whose homes are affected by persistent sewer bursts, raw sewage overflows or water supply challenges, as well as residents with knowledge of major sewer hotspots in Chitungwiza, to contact the organisation so that these locations can be included during the inspection tour.
Together, we can amplify residents’ voices and advocate for lasting solutions.”