The government is contuing to give the green light in providing land for housing development to housing co-operatives,councils,private developers and even individuals.
This will clear housing backlog as more than one million people were given stands by the goverment.The Minister of Local Government,Rural and Urban Development,Dr Ignatious Chombo was quoted on the Chronicle of 10 April saying that projects like Izaya Park in Zvishavane were government initiatives that are part of the broader Scheme,the five-year National Housing Delivery programme,launched by the government in 2004.
This is going to allow the provision of housing for low income people and help reduce the country`s huge housing waiting list.
Other stands on offer are found in Bulawayo,Midlands and many other cities.
Monday, 16 April 2012
BCC TROUBLING BULAWAYO RESIDENTS.
Bulawayo residents are complaining folowing the operation carried out by the BCC.The council is selling the property of residents who have arrears in their water bills.Many residents are complaining that the council is trying to recover its money in an unhumane manner.
Some are complaining that the council is leaving other debtors like the goverment,industrial and commercial consumers who also owe substantial ammounts.They are saying that the council is targetting orphans,widows and unemployed people while leaving the government,industrial and commercial consumers.This is a way of making these people poorer and poorer.The council is targeting to recover US$60 million owed to it by water consumers.The residents are saying that the local authority should be creative and find alternative ways of generating income,
Is this the correct way for th local authority to collect its debts? This need the public attention.What is your opinion?
Some are complaining that the council is leaving other debtors like the goverment,industrial and commercial consumers who also owe substantial ammounts.They are saying that the council is targetting orphans,widows and unemployed people while leaving the government,industrial and commercial consumers.This is a way of making these people poorer and poorer.The council is targeting to recover US$60 million owed to it by water consumers.The residents are saying that the local authority should be creative and find alternative ways of generating income,
Is this the correct way for th local authority to collect its debts? This need the public attention.What is your opinion?
Saturday, 31 March 2012
CONSTITUENCE DEVELOPMENT FUNDS ABUSE
Members of Parliament are reportedly abusing US$50 000 given to each constituency for development.According to Sunday News of 25-31 March 2012,some of the Members of Parliament were aarested following allegations that they were abusing these funds.
The Minister of Local Government,Ignatious Chombo has called for an audit in order to see how these funds are being used.I think it is not the work of the Members of Parliament to develop constituencies but their duty is to administer development.
Some people are also saying that in order for these funds to be used accordingly it is better to be kept by local government officials than to be kept by the Members of Parliament.This money is supposed to develop the local people not MPs only.
I think this subject needs views form the masses, so what is your take?
The Minister of Local Government,Ignatious Chombo has called for an audit in order to see how these funds are being used.I think it is not the work of the Members of Parliament to develop constituencies but their duty is to administer development.
Some people are also saying that in order for these funds to be used accordingly it is better to be kept by local government officials than to be kept by the Members of Parliament.This money is supposed to develop the local people not MPs only.
I think this subject needs views form the masses, so what is your take?
Friday, 23 March 2012
COUNCIL ACTS ON WATER CRISIS
Following the outcry of the people in Bulawayo city the council has decided to take action.Some locations like Magwewe West and surbubs like Mahatsula North ran out of water for solid week water in December last year.
In response,Bulawayo City Council (BCC) has started lobbying for funds from Government and financial institutions to undertake the project in construcing a parallel pipeline from Insiza Dam to increase the volume of water to be pumped from the city`s largest supply dam.
It also expect to decommission two of its five supply dams-Upper Ncema and Umzingwane.Recently there are five dams which supply the city with water and these are Umzingwane, Inyankuni,Insiza, Lower and Upper Ncema.There have been calls for the speedy completion of the Gwayi/Shangani Dam, which is a major component of th National Matebeleland Zambezi Water Project (Chronicle,20 March 2012).
In response,Bulawayo City Council (BCC) has started lobbying for funds from Government and financial institutions to undertake the project in construcing a parallel pipeline from Insiza Dam to increase the volume of water to be pumped from the city`s largest supply dam.
It also expect to decommission two of its five supply dams-Upper Ncema and Umzingwane.Recently there are five dams which supply the city with water and these are Umzingwane, Inyankuni,Insiza, Lower and Upper Ncema.There have been calls for the speedy completion of the Gwayi/Shangani Dam, which is a major component of th National Matebeleland Zambezi Water Project (Chronicle,20 March 2012).
Friday, 16 March 2012
BULAWAYO TO USE SEWAGE WATER
The City of Bulawayo will soon start using sewage water from Khami River for construction ,industrial uses and agricultural purposes in an effort to save treated water for human basic needs.I think this is a good idea since many houses are being constructed especially in Parklands Housing Construction along Harare Road and Cowdray Park, and many people are moving from rural areas to urban areas in search for greener pastures.
The Minister of Water Resources Development and Management Samuel Sipepa Nkomo was quoted on the 9th-16th Sunday News saying that the city will start treating sewage effluent so that it is used in some sectors that are using treated water when they have an alternative of reclaimed water.He also cited that there are some exceptions such as companies that do manufacturing that need clean water
The Minister of Water Resources Development and Management Samuel Sipepa Nkomo was quoted on the 9th-16th Sunday News saying that the city will start treating sewage effluent so that it is used in some sectors that are using treated water when they have an alternative of reclaimed water.He also cited that there are some exceptions such as companies that do manufacturing that need clean water
BCC SINKS DEEPER INTO DEBT
Bulawayo City Council (BCC) owes several service providers large sums of money.According to the latest council minutes provided by the Sunday News of 11-17 March 2012 BCC owes Zimbabwe electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) US$17 715 465,46.It also owes LAPF US$14 370 157,80 and PAYE US$3 154 741,96.Also,it owes Financial institutions US$11 719 215.08 and Loan balance from IDBZ US$2 198 453,72.
In December 2011 only ,the council`s expenditure was US$60 345 427 while it has just generated only US$46 193 933.BCC has cited many reasons for their failure to collect adequate revenue.One of the reasons is that many water meters in some areas in the city are not working and companies are using water for free at the expense of the city council.We do not know whether this is true or not.
My question is "Where are they going to find money to pay all thes debts?"
In December 2011 only ,the council`s expenditure was US$60 345 427 while it has just generated only US$46 193 933.BCC has cited many reasons for their failure to collect adequate revenue.One of the reasons is that many water meters in some areas in the city are not working and companies are using water for free at the expense of the city council.We do not know whether this is true or not.
My question is "Where are they going to find money to pay all thes debts?"
Saturday, 10 March 2012
UNREGISTERED TAXIS IMPOUNDED
At the beginning of March this year more than 20 vehicles belonging to unregistered private transport operators were impounded by Bulawayo Traffic Police in a bid to eliminate pirate taxis.The vehicles are still at the Vehicle Department Department (VID).
The Motoring and Transportation Act give rights to the traffic police to arrest all unregistered pirate transport operators if they do not register their vehicles.
According to the Chronicle of 6 March 2012 police said they were going to finalize the issue of route cards that would be conducted with the Bulawayo City Council (BCC).Superintendent Henry Mhlanga was also quoted on the same paper saying that these route cards would be given to registered operators at designated loading points and would be produced at any roadblock along the way.The Bulawayo Public Transport Association (Bupta) were impressed by this stance taken by the traffic police since these unregistered transport operators were taking away business from them.
The Motoring and Transportation Act give rights to the traffic police to arrest all unregistered pirate transport operators if they do not register their vehicles.
According to the Chronicle of 6 March 2012 police said they were going to finalize the issue of route cards that would be conducted with the Bulawayo City Council (BCC).Superintendent Henry Mhlanga was also quoted on the same paper saying that these route cards would be given to registered operators at designated loading points and would be produced at any roadblock along the way.The Bulawayo Public Transport Association (Bupta) were impressed by this stance taken by the traffic police since these unregistered transport operators were taking away business from them.
SIX MUNICIPALITIES NOT GETTING ZINARA FUNDING
Six municipalities have failed to account for allocation of Zimbabwe National Roads Administration (Zinara) fund they received in the last two years.These include Bulilima,Gwanda and Plumtree in Matebeleland.Other municipalities include those of Kariba,Karoi and Bindura.
According to the Chronicle of 6 March 2012 Zinara has started disbursing about $33,5 million to road authorities in the country following amid revalations that some roads has totally collapsed.
I am very much concerned about Bulawayo-Nkayi road which is in a statae of disrepair.When Zinara funded municipalities the money was no were to be found as there were no signs of repairing this roads.It is cleasr that these funds went to corrupt hands of governmwnt officials.
According to the Chronicle of 6 march 2012 Zinara is going to disburse $5 922 307 to Matebeleland North,with Rural Development Councils (RDCs) getting $1 303 753.I think this is too little for Matebeleland North RDCs especially Nkayi RDC.Bulawayo-Nkayi road which has under construction for a long time need to be dug up and done afresh.This road is virtually unusable during rain season.Only 4 x 4s cars will afford to use this road in rain season.
According to the Chronicle of 6 March 2012 Zinara has started disbursing about $33,5 million to road authorities in the country following amid revalations that some roads has totally collapsed.
I am very much concerned about Bulawayo-Nkayi road which is in a statae of disrepair.When Zinara funded municipalities the money was no were to be found as there were no signs of repairing this roads.It is cleasr that these funds went to corrupt hands of governmwnt officials.
According to the Chronicle of 6 march 2012 Zinara is going to disburse $5 922 307 to Matebeleland North,with Rural Development Councils (RDCs) getting $1 303 753.I think this is too little for Matebeleland North RDCs especially Nkayi RDC.Bulawayo-Nkayi road which has under construction for a long time need to be dug up and done afresh.This road is virtually unusable during rain season.Only 4 x 4s cars will afford to use this road in rain season.
Friday, 2 March 2012
ZESA SHOULD SETTLE ITS DEBTS
Following a letter written to the dailyews editor of 29 February 2012:9 by Mordecai Mtisi I realised that he was supporting what is being done by ZESA.
To my understanding I think we differ in seeing things.He said that Zesa`s latest move to mobilise money to settle debts is one he support as long as it is done in a just professional.An abbreviation Z.E.S.A.that means Zimbabwe Elecricity Supply Authority has been given another meaning that is Zimbabwe Electricity Siyacitsha Asidlali.This came as the parastatal was carrying massive power disconnection.
I disagree with Mordecai who says that this massive disconnection will in turn benefit those who are paying on monthly basis.Last week power disconnections went full swing as Zesa disconnected council owned institutions like clinics and schools,some of which not even owe them a cent(dailynews.29 February 2012:09.I think Zesa is supposed to find a better policy on power disconnections and reconnection
To my understanding I think we differ in seeing things.He said that Zesa`s latest move to mobilise money to settle debts is one he support as long as it is done in a just professional.An abbreviation Z.E.S.A.that means Zimbabwe Elecricity Supply Authority has been given another meaning that is Zimbabwe Electricity Siyacitsha Asidlali.This came as the parastatal was carrying massive power disconnection.
I disagree with Mordecai who says that this massive disconnection will in turn benefit those who are paying on monthly basis.Last week power disconnections went full swing as Zesa disconnected council owned institutions like clinics and schools,some of which not even owe them a cent(dailynews.29 February 2012:09.I think Zesa is supposed to find a better policy on power disconnections and reconnection
Thursday, 1 March 2012
EMA DESCENDS ON MOTORISTS
Last week I wrote about Bulawayo big companies that were fined by the Environmental Management Agency(EMA) for improper disposal of waste material.Now it had descended on motorists over plastic containers.
EMA says that plastic containers are not recommended and are insecure to be used as fuel containers.Therefore it now recommend fuel containers called jerry cans because they say it is as secure as a car tank.
According to EMA motorists who are going to be found with fuel in a plastic container are going to be fined.The maximum fine for this offence is $5000.
EMA publicity officer Mr Steady Kangata was quoted on the Chronicle of 27 February 2012 saying dangerous fumes that can cause fire escape from plastic containers.The question is where was this law all along
EMA says that plastic containers are not recommended and are insecure to be used as fuel containers.Therefore it now recommend fuel containers called jerry cans because they say it is as secure as a car tank.
According to EMA motorists who are going to be found with fuel in a plastic container are going to be fined.The maximum fine for this offence is $5000.
EMA publicity officer Mr Steady Kangata was quoted on the Chronicle of 27 February 2012 saying dangerous fumes that can cause fire escape from plastic containers.The question is where was this law all along
Saturday, 25 February 2012
IMPROPER DISPOSAL OF WASTE MATERIAL
Many big companies especially in Bulawayo had been fined for improper disposal of waste materials.These companies are failing to adhere to proper waste management by disposing waste at undesignated places.
On the Sunday News of the 12th-18th February 2012 the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) director general Mrs Muta Chasi was quoted saying that several companies in the city had facedc the full wrath of the law after being caught on the wrong side.She also added that Lobels ,Delta Beverages Belmont and Montana Meats were ticketed for illegally discharging effluent into the public stream via drainage.According to Mrs Chasi Bulawayo City Council (BCC) was ticketed US$5 000 for discharging raw sewage at five different times.
I think thes companies deserved that especially the BCC.Thes companies clearly know the law. Above all they cased pollution and they had contaminated water.
On the Sunday News of the 12th-18th February 2012 the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) director general Mrs Muta Chasi was quoted saying that several companies in the city had facedc the full wrath of the law after being caught on the wrong side.She also added that Lobels ,Delta Beverages Belmont and Montana Meats were ticketed for illegally discharging effluent into the public stream via drainage.According to Mrs Chasi Bulawayo City Council (BCC) was ticketed US$5 000 for discharging raw sewage at five different times.
I think thes companies deserved that especially the BCC.Thes companies clearly know the law. Above all they cased pollution and they had contaminated water.
Monday, 20 February 2012
GUTU RDC BLOCKS CHOMBO APPOINTEE
Mainstream-led Gutu Rural District Council has blocked the appointment of a new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) by Local Government Minister Ignatious Chombo.
The Gutu RDC councillors last week on Monday held a meeting with the district administrator Roy Hove together with other stakeholders and blocked Chombo`s appointee Fredrick Tozvireva from taking over as the council`s new CEO ahead of their preffered choice Alexander Mutombwa.
The officials blocked him from entering the council premises arguing that Mutombwa should rightfullyn take over as the CEO because he had outshone the other job interviewees who had been shortlisted for the job accusing Chombo of seeking to employ a ZANU-PF-aligned official.
The RDC chairman said Mutombwa scored 80 percent ,followed by Nehemiah Dewure whoose marks stood at 71,5 percent and Tozvireva was in a third position with 68 precent and the interviewee panel list had recommended the top two people but were shocked to see the ministry giving the job to a person who was not recommended.
Mutombwa is also said to have higher educational qualifications than the other two candidates for the job.He holdsd a Masters Degree in Strategic Management while Tozvireva is said to have only a first degree.
The Gutu RDC councillors last week on Monday held a meeting with the district administrator Roy Hove together with other stakeholders and blocked Chombo`s appointee Fredrick Tozvireva from taking over as the council`s new CEO ahead of their preffered choice Alexander Mutombwa.
The officials blocked him from entering the council premises arguing that Mutombwa should rightfullyn take over as the CEO because he had outshone the other job interviewees who had been shortlisted for the job accusing Chombo of seeking to employ a ZANU-PF-aligned official.
The RDC chairman said Mutombwa scored 80 percent ,followed by Nehemiah Dewure whoose marks stood at 71,5 percent and Tozvireva was in a third position with 68 precent and the interviewee panel list had recommended the top two people but were shocked to see the ministry giving the job to a person who was not recommended.
Mutombwa is also said to have higher educational qualifications than the other two candidates for the job.He holdsd a Masters Degree in Strategic Management while Tozvireva is said to have only a first degree.
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