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SENATE HANSARD 24 JULY 2024 VOL 33 NO 69
PARLIAMENT OF ZIMBABWE
Wednesday, 24th July, 2024
The Senate met at Half-past Two o’clock p.m.
PRAYERS
(THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE in the Chair)
ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE
SWITCHING OFF OF CELL PHONES
THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: Hon. Senators are reminded to put their gadgets on silence or better still switch them off.
MOTION
BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE
HON. SEN. GOTORA: I move that Order of the Day, Number 1 be stood over until all the Orders of the Day have been disposed of. Thank you.
HON. SEN. MAKAMBA: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
MOTION
REPORT OF THE JUDICIAL SERVICE COMMISSION FOR THE YEAR 2023
Second Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the Report of the Judicial Service Commission for the year 2023.
Question again proposed.
HON. SEN. GOTORA: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. MAKAMBA: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Thursday, 25th July, 2024.
MOTION
REPORT OF THE ZIMBABWE ELECTORAL COMMISSION FOR THE YEAR 2023
Third Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the Report of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission for the year 2023.
Question again proposed.
HON. SEN. MOHADI: Thank you Mr. President. Before I debate, I would want to find out whether I have debated on it before.
THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: You are not sure, you do not remember?
HON. SEN. MOHADI: I do not remember.
THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: Let us find out from the Clerks-at-the-Table. You may proceed.
HON. SEN. MOHADI: Thank you Mr. President for giving me the opportunity to add my voice in this august House on the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) Report of 2023. It is with no doubt that this report provides a comprehensive overview of the electoral process in our country, highlighting both achievements and challenges encountered during the electoral cycle.
Mr. President, the Constitution of Zimbabwe, on Section 67, enshrines the principles of democracy including the right to free and fair elections. It is our duty as representatives of the people to ensure that the electoral process upholds these principles and is conducted in a transparent and inclusive manner.
Furthermore, the NDS1 outlines the Government’s vision for the country, including goals related to governance and democracy. The ZEC Report should be considered within the context of these development objectives and any recommendations should align with the broader goals of the NDS1.
In addition, in his 2023 State of the Nation Address, His Excellency, the President Dr. E. D. Mnangagwa highlighted the importance of electoral reforms to strengthen our democracy and ensure that elections are credible and transparent. No doubt the ZEC Report provides valuable insights into areas where reforms are needed and we must heed the President’s call to take action on these issues.
Of particular importance are the recommendations in the ZEC Report, which offer concrete steps to improve the electoral process. These recommendations must not be overlooked as they have the potential to enhance the integrity of our elections.
One of the issues concerns voter registration which has been identified as a significant challenge in the report. The low voter registration numbers, especially among the youths and marginalised communities does raise questions about the inclusivity and representativeness of our electoral system. It is imperative that we address these issues to ensure that every eligible citizen has the opportunity to participate in the democratic process.
Furthermore, the report contains a number of recommendations aimed at improving the electoral process in Zimbabwe. These recommendations range from enhancing voter education and awareness campaigns to improving the accessibility of polling stations for persons with disabilities. It is crucial that we carefully consider these recommendations and take concrete steps to implement them in order to strengthen our electoral system and uphold the democratic principles upon which our nation is founded, along with the principle of inclusivity.
The recommendations from the ZEC Report of 2023, offer several advantages, including:
Enhanced Credibility: Implementing the recommendations can enhance the integrity of the electoral process, leading to greater public trust in the outcomes of elections.
Increased Inclusivity: The recommendations aim to increase inclusivity in the electoral process, particularly among marginalised groups. This can lead to a more representative Government that reflects the diversity of the Zimbabwean population.
Improved Transparency: Implementing the recommendations can improve transparency of the electoral process, making it easier for stakeholders to understand and scrutinise each step of the process.
Stronger Democratic Institutions: By addressing key issues identified in the report, such as voter registration challenges, the recommendations can contribute to the strengthening of democratic institutions in Zimbabwe.
International Recognition: Implementing the recommendations can enhance Zimbabwe’s reputation internationally, demonstrating a commitment to democratic principles and good governance.
Conflict Prevention. A fair and transparent electoral process, facilitated by the recommendations, can help prevent electoral disputes and conflicts, contributing to overall peace and stability in the country.
Citizen Empowerment: By improving voter education and awareness, the recommendations can empower citizens to participate more actively in the democratic process, leading to a more engaged and informed electorate.
In summation, let us work together to improve our electoral process. Overally, implementing the recommendations from the ZEC Report of 2023 can bring about significant positive changes to the electoral process in Zimbabwe. I thank you.
HON. SEN. GOTORA: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. MAKAMBA: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Thursday, 25th July, 2024.
MOTION
REPORT OF THE ZIMBABWE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION FOR THE YEAR 2023
Fourth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the Report of the Human Rights Commission for the year 2023.
Question again proposed.
HON. SEN. MOHADI: Thank you Mr. President, for affording me this opportunity to rise and add my voice on this motion based on the recommendations outlined in the Report of the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission for the year 2023. This report provided critical insights into various Governmental responsibilities and their impact on human rights and societal well-being. Specifically, the recommendations highlight areas where our Legislative and Executive actions can significantly enhance complaints with human rights standards and improve governance.
Firstly, from the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission Report, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce is urged to enforce procedures ensuring that companies consult with local villagers before accessing land for their operations. We will foster a sense of community ownership and partnership in the development process. This will not only mitigate conflicts and displacements but also empower rural population to have a meaningful say in their projects and directly impact their lives and livelihoods. Such an approach will promote social cohesion environmental sustainability and ultimately the sustainable growth of our economy.
Secondly, Mr. President, the report emphasizes the need for the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion to adequately fund the ZHRC, ensuring the timely disbursement of the financial report. Adequate funding is essential for the Commission on effectively carrying out its mandate of protecting and promoting human rights across Zimbabwe.
Mr. President, providing adequate and timely financial support to the ZHRC will greatly enhance capacity to fulfil its critical mandate. This independent board will be empowered to effectively monitor, investigate and report on human rights issues across the country. Their findings and recommendations will inform policy making and serve as a robust mechanism for accountability; ultimately improving the lives experiences of all Zimbabweans.
Lastly, Parliament is urged to advocate for increased budgetary allocations to the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service. This funding is necessary for the refurbishment of prison facilities, procurement of uniforms for staff and inmates and construction of staff quarters which are critical for improving conditions within our correctional facilities and upholding dignity of all individuals in custody.
Mr. President, the implementation of these recommendations is not merely a matter of compliance but a strategic investment in the long term will be of prosperity for our nation. By addressing these human rights concerns, we will strengthen the foundations of our society, promote social harmony and position of Zimbabwe as a shining example of the country that prioritises the dignity and rights of its citizens.
To sum up, these recommendations from the ZHRC highlight key areas where legislative and executive action can significantly enhance human rights production and governance in our nation. Therefore, I urge all Hon. Senators to support this motion and collaborate across party lines to ensure the effective implementation of these recommendations for the betterment of all Zimbabwean citizens. I thank you.
HON. SEN. GOTORA: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. MAKAMBA: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Thursday, 25th July, 2024.
MOTION
BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE
HON. SEN. GOTORA: Mr. President, I move that Order of the Day, Number 5 be stood over until the rest of the Orders of the Day on today’s Order Paper have been disposed of.
HON. SEN. MAKAMBA: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
MOTION
PRESIDENTIAL SPEECH: DEBATE ON ADDRESS
Sixth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion in reply to the Presidential Speech.
Question again proposed.
HON. SEN. KAMBIZI: Thank you very much Mr. President for according me this opportunity to wind off this motion. Firstly, Mr President, I would like to express my disappointment in that quite a number of Hon. Senators did not debate on this motion which is in reply to the speech by the President and I do not want to guess why.
Secondly, I am also equally disappointed by our own Ministers. We have more than two dozen of Ministers who were supposed to come and respond to this but embarrassingly, only one Minister came to respond and I will mention who that Minister is - Hon. Minister for Youth Development, Hon. Machakaire.
HON. SEN. ZINDI: On a point of interjection Mr. President, and clarification. Noticing that most of the Ministers did not respond, is it procedural that Hon. Senator Kambizi perhaps may stop proceeding with winding up the motion and maybe through you, summon the Ministers to respond because these are important issues.
THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: Thank you, you may sit down. The Hon. Ministers are aware and we will not postpone the winding up of this debate because it will lapse. You may proceed Hon. Senator Kambizi.
HON. SEN. KAMBIZI: Thank you Mr President. However, I would like to thank Hon. Senators who took time to debate this motion and those who did so extremely very well and articulated the issues that were contained in the speech very well from an informed point of view because less than half the number participated. I still say Mr. President, thumbs up to those who saw it fit to debate SONA and with that short sum up, I would like to say thank you Mr. President.
THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: You have to move for adoption.
HON. SEN. KAMBIZI: Thank you Mr. President, I accordingly move for the adoption of the motion.
Motion that a respectful address be presented to the President of Zimbabwe as follows: -
May it please you, your Excellency the President:
We, the Members of Parliament of Zimbabwe, desire to express our loyalty to Zimbabwe and beg leave to offer our respectful thanks for the speech, which you have been pleased to address to Parliament, put and agreed to.
MOTION
IMPROVEMENT ON SERVICE DELIVERY BY LOCAL AUTHORITIES
HON. SEN. MAVENYENGWA: I move the motion standing in my name that this House;
COMMENDING the sterling efforts by His Excellency the President, Dr. E. D. Mnangagwa in the construction and rehabilitation of our country’s roads which are critical for service delivery and development;
DISTURBED by persistent challenges bedevilling service delivery in local authorities which are adversely affecting the quality of life for the people;
COGNISANT that years of neglect and mismanagement by the local authorities have left indelible foot prints in urban centres;
ALSO SADDENED by the lack of will by local authorities to execute their mandate;
NOW, THEREFORE, implores this House
a) To call upon the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, through its local authorities, to improve service delivery which includes water reticulation system, waste management and healthcare system which meets the needs and expectations of urban dwellers.
b) To reaffirm its support for the devolution of services and functions of local government as enshrined in the Constitution, recognising the potential for improved service delivery.
- c) To urge all relevant stakeholders, including central and local government authorities, to work collaboratively towards achieving significant improvements in service delivery, thereby enhancing the well-being of all Zimbabwean citizens.
HON. SEN. RUNGANI: I second.
HON. SEN. MAVENYENGWA: Thank you Mr. President for giving me this opportunity to present this motion on service delivery in this august House. I want to strongly pay particular attention to service delivery by urban councils around Zimbabwe. For far too long, residents across Zimbabwe have been subjected to inadequate service delivery by their local councils or local authorities. This has resulted in a significant decline in the quality of life for many citizens with negative impacts on health hygiene and economic well-being in urban areas.
Mr. President Sir, every Member of this House can agree with me that service delivery is the co-function of development by local government or local authorities. The provision of services such as waste management, water and health services is closely associated with the well-being of urban dwellers. In the period leading to the adoption of the Zimbabwe (2013) Constitution, many people supported the devolution of services and functions to local government, especially to councils including urban councils.
It was a major victory when local government was elevated and given constitutional protection by the Constitution. There was great expectation that service delivery would improve in the cities, towns and smaller urban centres. Eleven years later, that expectation appears not to have been realised.
Mr. President Sir, due to corruption, our communities are suffering. I will not even sugar-cot because it is the reality of things on the ground. They are parcelling each other residential and commercial stands unscrupulously while not concentrating on their mandate, what they are paid for, which is to give service to the communities. To say they are wasting resources is an understatement. The correct wording is larcenous which is taking without authority, Mr. President Sir. These unscrupulous activities are undermining the Government, hence I advocate for punitive measures to individuals who are caught engaging in such dubious acts.
I am deeply concerned by reports that local councils are prioritising the collection of revenue, including parking fees to fund their own salaries rather than channelling these resources towards essential service delivery for the people. This unacceptable practice is a clear dereliction of council’s primary responsibilities and I believe it is imperative that we implement strict oversight and accountability measures to ensure that all revenue collected is transparently and appropriately allocated towards the provision of vital public services, infrastructure development and the upgrading of amenities rather than being used solely for administrative costs and salaries.
Mr. President Sir, the people of Zimbabwe deserve local governments that are focused on improving their quality of life, not enriching themselves at the expense of the communities they serve and I urge this esteemed House to take immediate action to address this concerning issue and hold our local councils accountable for the responsible use of public resources.
Our once vibrant public spaces have become neglected and unsafe. Potholes on critical roads have become gaping wounds in urban councils causing a constant threat to motorists, pedestrians and cyclists alike. Broken street lights cast long shadows, creating heavens for criminal activity and hindering the free movement of residents, especially during the dark hours.
Overgrown parks and neglected playgrounds stand as a stark reminder of the lack of investment in community well-being leaving residents with few options for safe and healthy recreational activities. This deplorable state of our roads and public spaces not only hinders economic activity and reduces the quality of life for residents, it also creates a sense of disinvestment and neglect, further eroding community spirit. A shroud of secrecy surrounds the decision making process of many local councils. Residents are often left out in the dark about budgetary allocations, project justifications and the rationale behind service delivery cut-backs.
This lack of transparency brings public distrust and hinders meaningful participation in holding councils accountable. Furthermore, avenues for residents to voice their concerns and seek redress for service delivery failures are frequently limited or bureaucratic, leaving them feeling powerless and unheard. This lack of accountability creates a vicious cycle, discouraging residents from engaging with their local authorities and ultimately hindering efforts to improve service delivery and community well-being.
Mr. President Sir, the once reliable water supply had become a source of anxiety for residents. Rusty pipes, old and leaky, delivering discoloured water at unpredictable intervals in urban councils is the order of the day. Many households are forced to resort to fetching water from unreliable sources like shallow wells or distant streams, raising concern about contamination. Meanwhile, overflowing garbage bins and blocked drains paint a grim picture or inadequate waste collection
creating unsanitary conditions and posing potential health hazards for the entire communities in urban centres where we normally witness diseases like cholera.
Mr. President Sir, this decline in water and sanitation infrastructure has become a daily struggle for residents jeopardising their health and well-being. Our local councils are failing when it comes to water infrastructure. Residents are forced to rely on unsafe contaminated water sources in many areas due to the councils’ neglect and underinvestment. Boreholes are left in disrepair, water treatment plants are crumpling and pipe networks are leaking, leaving families with no choice but to draw water from polluted wells and streams.
Our people deserve access to clean reliable drinking water yet this basic necessity is being denied to them. This crisis is not only a public health hazard, but also a symbol of the councils’ utter disregard for the well-being of their communities.
Mr. President Sir, His Excellency, the President has undertaken a comprehensive borehole drilling initiative to address the widespread water crisis in our nation recognising the urgent need for sustainable solutions through rigorous surveying and expert execution. The Government is establishing a network of high-quality boreholes across urban and rural areas complimenting the efforts of rehabilitating existing water infrastructure.
Additionally, the Government is focusing on the development of major water sources such as Muchekeranwa and Kunzvi Dams, which will be used to supply water, particularly to the capital city, Harare, and towns like Norton and Marondera as well as the Gwayi-Shangani Dam in Matabeleland, which will be a crucial water source for the city of Bulawayo and also Lupane.
This multifaceted approach encompassing borehole drilling, infrastructure upgrades and the harnessing of major water bodies aims to provide immediate relief and lay the foundation for long-term security, demonstrating the President’s commitment to ensuring that all Zimbabweans have access to the fundamental human rights of clean and reliable water.
Mr. President Sir, the councils are falling short when it comes to waste management. Litre and uncollected refuse or garbage have become eyesores and breeding grounds for diseases across our communities in urban centres. Piles of garbage rot on street corners while overflowing dumpsites spill refuse into our neighbourhood. Effective comprehensive waste collection services are a hallmark of a well-functioning municipality yet our local authorities have failed to deliver. This blight not only upgrades the appearance of our cities but also poses serious environmental and sanitary risks to our citizens.
In addition to the comprehensive water security initiatives, the Government has also taken significant strides in addressing the critical issue of waste management through the innovative Geo-Pomona project, which focuses on recycling and energy production from the waste collected. This project harnesses advanced technologies to transform waste into valuable resources, diverting a substantial proportion from landfills, generating revenue through recycled material and producing electricity to contribute to the national energy greed, while aligning with global best practices and the principles of circular economy.
The Geo-Pomona project represents a forward-thinking and holistic approach to sustainable development and environmental protection. I urge this House to provide the necessary support to ensure the continued success and expansion of this project. The lack of reliable street lighting leaves our communities shrouded in darkness compromising safety. Functional well placed street lamps are a mark of a safe liveable city, yet our local authorities have neglected this basic infrastructure. Residents, especially women and the elderly fear venturing out at night due to the dangers posed by poorly lit streets. Criminals take advantage of the darkness making our neighbourhoods less secure. Poor street lighting is a fundamental public good that our councils have failed to provide.
Mr. President, I propose the solarisation of street lights as an additional initiative to contribute to our nation’s development and sustainability. By harnessing abundant solar energy resources, we can transition to an environmentally friendly solar-powered street light reducing reliance on the unreliable electricity grid lowering maintenance costs and aligning with global best practices in renewable energy. In areas where solar street lights may not be feasible, the implementation of hybrid systems combining solar and grid-connected backup power would ensure reliable elimination. I urge this esteemed House to consider this proposal as the solarisation of street lights would enhance our infrastructure reduce our carbon footprint and demonstrate our commitment to innovative sustainable solutions for the betterment of all Zimbabweans living in urban centres.
Moreover, I am saddened by the neglect of our sports stadiums and the refusal of local councils to partner with private entities willing to undertake renovations. The state of Rufaro Stadium for example, a once iconic venue is a prime example where the council has only addressed the parking lot while the playing field and facilities remain in disrepair, rendering the stadium effectively non-functional. This negligence has had a devastating impact on our vibrant sports sector with prominent clubs being forced to play their home matches elsewhere, depriving our citizens of the opportunity to engage with the support their beloved teams should have from their supporters.
I firmly believe that by partnering with private investors and entities willing to undertake the necessary renovations, we can breathe new life into our sports stadiums, revitalising our sports sector and providing our citizens with the world-class facilities they deserve.
I urge this esteemed House to compel local councils to prioritise the restoration of our sports infrastructure and collaborate with private stakeholders as the rejuvenation of our sports stadiums. We will uplift the morale and well-being of our citizens and have impact on our national image.
Mr. President Sir. We must look to examples excellence abroad and learn how to deliver the services our citizens rightly demand. Take the city of Dubai, for instance, through strategic investments and with focus on innovation, Dubai has transformed itself into one of the cleanest, most modern cities in the world. Their municipal authorities have prioritised water treatment, waste management and public infrastructure – ensuring residents enjoy a high quality of life. Dubai’s water desalination plants, efficient waste collection and state-of-the art street lighting are the envy of the global community. By emulating their commitment to excellence, we can raise the standard of living for our in all cities of Zimbabwe.
Moreover, consider the city of Moscow in Russia. Once plagued by the Soviet era of decay, Moscow has undergone a remarkable renaissance with its local Government spearheading major upgrades to water, sewer and street lighting projects. The results are evident in the clean, vibrant streets that Muscovites now enjoy. Through a combination of robust funding, technological innovation, and a customer-centric approach, Moscow has become a shining example of what can be achieved when local authorities truly prioritise the needs of their people.
Mr. President Sir, we must emulate these success stories. It is time for our local councils to step up, prioritise basic public services and to deliver for the people. With the right leadership, the proper funding and commitment to excellence, there is no reason why every community in Zimbabwe cannot have access to clean water, effective waste collection, functioning sewers and reliable street lighting. Our citizens deserve nothing less than world-class public services.
I call on this House to demand accountability from our local authorities. It is time to raise the bar and build the 21st century Zimbabwe, we all know, it is possible. Our people have waited for too long for the basic necessities that should be the hallmark of a modern, thriving society. Let us seize this opportunity to transform our communities and deliver the quality of life of our citizens.
Hon. Senators, Mr. President Sir, I propose that we establish a system to ensure our local councils are populated by learned and qualified individuals, with stringent educational and professional requirements such as a minimum of Bachelors degree in a relevant field and demonstrated experience in public administration, urban planning, finance or community development.
Mr. President Sir, by raising the bar for council membership, we can attract and empower individuals equipped to make informed data-driven decisions that prioritise the well-being and progress of our citizens, oversee the efficient and transparent allocation of public resources, ensure the delivery of essential services and champion the development of sustainable, livable communities. Furthermore, I recommend implementing ongoing professional development and training programmes for local council members, equipping them with the latest knowledge and technology, tools and best practices in municipal governance and service delivery, transforming the capabilities of our local governments and realising our collective aspirations for a more prosperous and equitable Zimbabwe.
I therefore, urge this esteemed House Mr. President Sir to: -
1. mandate a comprehensive audit of local authorities to assess
their financial management, service delivery performance and adherence to good governance practices;
2. Allocate adequate resources to councils to enable them to invest
in essential infrastructure upgrades, maintenance and service provision but with strict monitoring to avoid corruption.
3. Institute capacity building programmes for council officials to
equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to deliver effective services.
4, Empower citizens through participatory budgeting and
Community forums to engage in decision-making processes and hold councils accountable for service delivery.
5. Call upon local councils to enhance their efforts in providing
essential services such as waste management, water supply and healthcare, ensuring that these services meet the needs and expectations of all urban dwellers.
- Reaffirms its support for the devolution of services and
functions to local Government as enshrined in the 2013 Constitution, recognising the potential for improved service delivery through decentralised governance.
- Urges all relevant stakeholders, including central and local Government authorities to work collaboratively towards achieving significant improvement in service delivery, thereby enhancing the well-being of all Zimbabwean citizens.
Mr. President Sir, as I conclude, it is imperative that we take
decisive action to address the shortcomings in service delivery by local authorities in Zimbabwe. By working together, we can ensure that all Zimbabwe have access to the essential services they deserve and can live in safe, healthy and thriving communities. Nevertheless, I want to thank our President His Excellency Dr. E. D. Mnangagwa for the way he has taken into action the rehabilitation of our roads in urban centers, especially in Harare and those roads leading to this Parliament Building – that is very commendable. As a nation, we are very grateful. I thank you Mr. President – [HON. SENATORS: Hear, hear.] –
*HON. SEN. MUPFUMIRA: Thank you Mr. President for giving me the opportunity to share a few words on the motion that was moved by Hon. Senator Mavenyengwa.
This is a pertinent issue, the issue of local authorities because this is where our people are. He explained a lot of things and we are just supporting. I just want to add a few words emanating from where we come from and where we live in. The issue of water is a problem. Where I come from, there is no running water. People scramble for boreholes and the water level is low. People used tap running water. We aspire city status to be a world class, but where I live, we are digging wells because the borehole is not giving us any water.
We need alternatives which can make life easier and those alternatives are not there. In Chinhoyi, the roads are in a deplorable state. Motorists are using such roads. We appreciate that because of the state of emergency that was declared by His Excellency, President E. D. Mnangagwa, our major roads are now in very good condition. Roads under local authorities are in a bad state and this is affecting cars. Even without tarred roads in the past, we used to have gravel roads. We could travel from Chegutu to Bulawayo with good gravelled roads. If there is no tar, maybe it might be an alternative to put gravel which would cover potholes so that motorists would be able to drive on better roads.
There is an issue which we normally discuss here, the issue of drug and substance abuse in urban areas. This has cascaded down to rural areas. Some school leavers and school drop-outs who do not have anything to do are now abusing drugs, cheap alcohol and brews like mutoriro and others. This is not only a problem of water and roads, but it is a problem of social service. There is a department of Social Amenities which we believe should be covering such things. Children should be given facilities where they are trained vocational skills. I remember in Mzilikazi in Bulawayo, in the past, young people were trained in art and pottery. I have some pottery, cups and artifacts from that centre.
There are women who were taught how to cook, hygiene issues, childcare and other life skills. I believe this is something that needs to be looked into. We cannot continue complaining about drugs whilst not giving them an alternative. We need to empower them with vocational skills. I do not know whether it is the council or what. There are some recreational parks, recreational areas which are being allocated to people as residential stands. You find stands, houses and flats being built in recreational areas and you wonder how this is done because these are gazetted areas which are supposed to be meant for football pitches, parks and other leisure centres.
At the end of the day, you would find that such houses will be destroyed. You wonder because when we were building houses, inspectors were coming to inspect the progress. Now, this is double trouble that one resident does not have accommodation. They have struggled to raise money for building their houses and eventually, the houses are demolished. There are some areas where people are not supposed to build, but you find houses everywhere. Where is the order that we knew that you will not go to the next level without the council approving?
The council officials should be empowered so that they would work and apply council by-laws, whether it is the sewer lines or any form of service that is done. Now, there is no difference between urban areas, rural areas and peri-urban areas. The biggest challenge that we find is that they are busy chasing vendors. So, we do not know whether they confiscate vendors wares and whether the wares are forfeited to the State, or it is benefitting individuals.
Moreover, we also want to focus on cemeteries. There is a department which is supposed to look after cemeteries in urban areas. There is a particular department but it is surprising that you would find that there are times some people burn the whole cemetery. You wonder why because there are council employees who will be there putting on overalls. We are supposed to be a clean city. It is not about the highways, but it is about where we live. We have places like cemeteries where we have our relatives who lie there. As our heritage, this should be protected.
Furthermore, the issue of bills is serious. We do not use water. As an individual, I do not use council water but I find bills coming, refuse removal and what-a-view. When you go to the Geo Pomona Waste Management Centre, you find bills coming. I am charged for water which I am not using. As a resident or as residents, we are not clever enough. Why do we pay for water which we do not use? Why do we pay for waste disposal which is not being disposed? We are decent people.
In other countries, there will be an uproar of why council officials are charging people for water which they do not have, waste disposal which is not disposed or collected. Some people are now disposing their waste along the roads. You find school children stepping on the waste and this becomes a hazard. It is a responsibility of our local authorities to ensure that our people are well protected and even motorists.
I want to support what the Hon. Senator just said. I did not want to wait for writings so that I write something down. I am talking about something that I am experiencing every day that I know of. We need this issue to be corrected. It is not about Harare, Masvingo, Chinhoyi but this is all over the country. You find disease outbreaks happening in different cities. We need to correct this. This is where we formulate policies. This is where we can start correcting these things, playing our oversight role so that we restore Harare to its sunshine city status, a clean city where you do not skip over refuse collection around the roads. I thank you Hon. President.
HON. SEN. ZVIDZAI: Thank you Mr. President for this great opportunity to discourse around a most important motion that has been brought to the floor by Hon. Senator Mavenyengwa. Mr. President, it goes without saying that every single citizen interface with, from birth to death. If you are born in a council clinic, you will get buried in a council clinic. So, this is a very important tier of our three tiers of Government. In between death and birth, there are lots of other things that do happen, we want water, refuse removal, housing, you name it. Local Government is the most important tier of Government in a nation and for this reason, I wish to thank Hon. Senator Mavenyengwa for bringing forth a very important debate and subject matter that needs all of us as Hon. Senator Mupfumira said; put heads together and find solutions to the challenge.
To look at the problem honestly and thoroughly and move over from problem finding to solutions design, for me that is more important than chronicling all the difficulties that we all know about. We must spend time more on solutions and Mr. President, I have got an eight- point plan for Zimbabwe Local Government sector to begin to perform at the same level as Local Government in South Africa for example.
Mr. President, the key point around service delivery is money. Service delivery is resources, without the necessary resources, we can shout our voices high, it will not help anybody. In looking at this problem, we need to be very holistic, to look at the totality of Zimbabwe rather than certain sectors of Zimbabwe and seek to score points rather than to look for solutions. The saddest thing in our nation is that we forever perpetually in an electoral vote canvasing mode. As a result, we do not find solutions to real problems.
I am just praying that one day – I was speaking to a colleague who amazed by saying perhaps it is not worth it to have political parties because this is how debate is designed, it is not designed to solve the problems for the people of Zimbabwe. It is designed to score points and hope that one would reap big. These are strategies that do not work because the voting patterns do not seem to change, whether you have got a pothole in Mukarati Road or not you will still get people in a certain direction. So, really, what we need to do is to sit down and look for solutions for the people and we are not doing that. First solution in my opinion, legacy issues. What are the legacy issues that stand in between improved service delivery and bad service delivery?
Mr. President, if you wish to turn your clock back to 2013, you will know that all urban local authorities had their balance sheets badly affected by bad political opportunity decision- where a whole Minister decides that one side of the balance sheet should be killed and yet the other side remain surviving. We celebrated when Minister Chombo said zvikwereti zvese ndabvisa no one is paying. We did not realise that the other side of the equation remains where the local authorities’ creditors kept on wanting to get their payments done.
This big problem, this cancer will live with us for a long, long time because the balance is not there, zvikwereti zvakaramba zviripo on the one side of the equation and cancelled on the other. We celebrated that because we thought that was a benefit. What we are seeing today is a result of that bad decision, is a result of legacy issues that must be dealt with. So, where is the solution? The solution is for Central Government to sit back and say, how much money did local authorities lose as a result of that bad decision? Then look for that money to compensate the local authorities so that they can deliver services. That is key solution number 1, I am talking about an eight-point plan to revive local authorities in this country. One of those things is for Central Government to compensate local authorities for revenue lost as a result of Central Government bad decision making.
So, once that happens, local authorities can begin again to recapitalise their refuse removal apparatus, issues on water delivery networks, housing et cetera. The second thing Mr. President, point number two. In 2013, the people of Zimbabwe all sat down and said one of the key things we must do is to constitutionalise and protect Local Government, and in the process demanded what is called devolution, and this is a very key thing that we must do. We must devolve in earnest and I would like to educate certain people who might not be savvy enough around Local Government. As Central Government, a centre to local transfer of money is not devolution, this has existed, even Smith used to do it. Smith used to give local authorities some transfers, but that was not devolution. Devolution is about allowing people to make decisions at local levels, basing that on their strengths and good citizenship so that hauna waunoblamer. If you transfer a few coins of money to the periphery without giving them power to make decisions, without giving them power to manage and to employ for themselves, without giving them power to sit down and make decisions for themselves, you are not devolving, pane zvauri kuita, but you are not devolving.
Let us go for devolution because the people asked for it, let us go for it, it is good for the people because they made that decision. Give them the power to run their affairs. Mr. President, I will go back to issues of legacy again and I say so from a point of information. I was once the Deputy Minister of Local Government and I am very well informed around the disease called interference. Well, whole ministers because the people have decided that yes you are minister but at local level, we have decided to do this. Whole ministers then make decisions based not for the good of the people, but for something else.
In 2011, the City of Harare sat down and said, ‘look, where is our problem?’ Our problem is financial capacity to mobilise funds. So what do we do? Let us employ a qualified town clerk and up-step James Mushore a top banker, a man who knows so much about financial engineering. They employed him, but let me tell you what former Hon. Minister Kasukuwere said. He said, ‘he will not function there because he is not one of us.’ This is a quotation I am not creating this, you will never be a town clerk because you are not one of us.
James Mushore is a well-known Zimbabwean banker and you say he is not one of us - good Lord, what are you saying? This is a man with serious capacity to engineer financially for the help of the city. Everything collapsed because he was not one of Hon. Kasukuwere’s ilk. So legacy issues. We need to devolve. Let people make their decisions and they will move.
Issues of employment, as I have just epmhasised it is a cycle that repeats. If you are not the Minister’s relative or if you do not share the same political card with the Minister, you cannot be a Town Clerk. This is the truth.
So all I am calling for is the voice of God. The people said they want devolution and President Mnagangwa is well known for saying the voice of the people is the voice of God, and you cannot reject what God says. The voice of God said devolution. Give them physical devolution, give them administrative devolution, give them political devolution, hold them to account and let us see what happens.
HON. SEN. MAVENYENGWA: Point of order Mr. President. I want to request that whilst our Senator debates, one of the points that he said that if you are not related to a Minister, you are not going to be employed withdrawn. When we debate about corruption in councils, we are talking about what we are seeing, what is happening, where people are taking council money and pocketing the money. Instead of receipting that money, they are pocketing the money. So we want the Hon. Members to explain the relative of the Minster who was employed. He must talk about what is happening not what he thinks is happening.
HON. SEN. ZVIDZAI: I have said and I will repeat, I am saying this from a point of information. I am not dreaming. In 2011 the City of Harare went through a very tenacious and very tortuous process, picked James Mushore to be their Town Clerk. They engaged James Mushore, Mr. President, but then I quote former Minister Kasukuwere who said James Mushore will never be a Town Clerk in the City of Harare because he is not one of us.
It is a quote and if we find time out of here, I will show you the date he said that for your pleasure, this is the truth. I will never come before this august House to fabricate a story. I was Deputy Minister of Local Government and Public Works. I am talking facts. So you do not want to look further than James Mushore. If you want you can look everywhere else. I can give you 1, 2, 3, 4, 16 and 23 but I am not going to do that. James Mushore’s case is sufficient to drive the point that local authorities should be allowed to manage issues administratively.
Thirdly on the eight point plan, I think I do not have the time but I have eight points that can assist local government in this country to prosper. Share resources equitably.
THE. HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: Hon. Senator, you have five minutes.
HON. SEN. ZVIDZAI: Share resources equitably. What we are saying is central government has set back and weakened urban local authorities. Deliberately they have taken away one of the soupiest revenue stream, money from vehicles. They have taken away a lot of other resource streams. We need that back because service delivery is money.
Fourth point plan, reduce poverty. Those people you see walking the streets of Harare, Masvingo, Mutare, Bikita and Zaka are too poor to meet their obligations to pay for water. They are not paying. These local authorities are saddled with huge debts because of poverty. Deal with poverty and people will be able to pay for debts.
Fifth point planning, allow creativity. Do not interfere with people that are creative. There are a lot of creative people in these local authorities but the leash is too tight. You cannot even move a foot, the Minister pulls you back. You cannot even decide how many tea spoons of sugar to put in your tea because the Minister wants to see how many you put in there. Jack up the economy because you might want to talk about local authority but central government is failing. If you go to Mpilo today it is not a hospital it is a death trap. It smells death when you walk there. If you go to a local authority that is not urban you smell death, you smell lack of service delivery. So holistically, let us look at jacking up the economy so that money can trickle down from the center to the local.
Mr. President the other very important thing to do is dealing with what I want to call centralised corruption. Centralised corruption arises from the fact that all the purchasing capacity, you know these local authorities used to be purchasing authorities. That has been taken away and it has gone to PRAZ so that all the corruption goes to the central place. So we must fight centralised corruption and centralized corruption is a baby of central government.
THE. HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: You can wind up Honourable.
HON. SEN. ZVIDZAI: Thank you very much Mr. President. I will wind up by saying local government is the most important part of Government and the Constitution provides for a minimum of 5% of budgetary money to go to local authorities. How much goes there? 1%, 2%, 0.5%, 0.05% because there is no will to put the money where the mouths of the people are. There is more will to stand money where there are no people. People are in local authorities and resources must go there.
The last thing Mr. President is we need to always be dealing with these issues because this is a matrix of relationships. Local government and governance are a matrix of relationships where center to local relationships, if they are not warm they are not moving, hamuna president. If those relations are not warm – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.]- Muchazoitawo ma president, hamusi.
THE TEMPORARY PRESIDENT OF SENATE (HON. SEN. KAMBIZI): Order, order!
HON. SEN. ZVIDZAI: Thank you very much President.
THE TEMPORARY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: Next time Hon. Senator Zvidzai, it is my duty to protect you unless if you want to protect yourself. So always refer to me and I will protect you, but if you try to protect yourself, it will not work.
HON. SEN. ZVIDZAI: Thank you Mr. President.
*HON. SEN. RUNGANI: Thank you, Mr. President. I want to add my voice to the motion that was moved by Hon. Senator Mavenyengwa who said a lot of important things concerning our local authorities in terms of the welfare of residents. Urban councils get funding but we want to know how they use their money and we need to make sure there is transparency in funds.
His Excellency, President E.D. Mnangagwa declared that on the first day of every month, people should have a clean-up campaign that does not need funding but the willpower of people only. Mr. President, we expect to see our councils delivering in urban areas.
In Harare, where there is a furniture industry, particularly in Glenview, that area is always catching fires perennially and we wonder whether the Harare City has ever investigated the causes of fire. The City Council said they once spoke to the carpenters about the fires but nothing fruitful came out. We expect local authorities to engage these home industries in their areas so that our people have good livelihoods and are safe.
In rural areas, some dams have water yet some local authorities are failing to pump that water from the dams to residential areas, yet people spend two or so weeks without water. We expect our local authorities to make sure that our people have good livelihoods.
Mr. President, there are some schools, clinics, and hospitals that were built by local authorities, and most of them might collapse due to maintenance. In some local authorities, you will find that they get funding, whether through hunting quota or mining but you will see the management buying cars. As a resident, every day you go to work you do not have a car but you find them buying luxury cars. When they get money, we expect them to support the residents and develop social amenities of that particular area. However, as Members of Parliament, we are quite aware of what they would have covered in terms of development as well as areas they are lagging.
The urban toilets should be cleaned and it is the responsibility of our municipal authorities, so charity begins at home. They must start with the small things. We might say that they do not have money but the budget they have should be used efficiently. If they cannot perform in terms of service delivery, how about their workers when they only take all the money as executives of councils but the lower grades go home with meagre salaries?
So we need to make sure that our people are well taken care of because when you lead people, you need to have people at heart. You must lead them properly. Even in terms of business centres, this has been said before, that some areas were designated as leisure centres for sporting activities but such areas are being allocated stands, and people build on commercial stands and pocket the money. This is corruption.
We are now in the new dispensation, we have done a lot of things but if corruption was done in the past, we are saying let us start from here. Our people should have good livelihoods and we need to make sure that we perform better in terms of service delivery.
When you look at even solar panels, we have SEDCO which is funding people who are in rural areas. Some are building houses; some are looking after their families but you would find that the wives of council officials are the ones who are benefiting from such Government schemes. So, we want them to hear this so that they make amends.
I might have worked in council; I might know the rot and everything that was happening but this is the new dispensation. Corruption in local authorities should be stopped, we want to make sure that councils operate professionally. If people are doing that, if people are allocating stands in unserviced land without proper sewerage systems, and proper drainage systems, people might be vulnerable to disease outbreaks because of that. Sometimes there will be a borehole, or a protected well near these facilities and this is not right. So, council officials should do their duty. I thank you.
*HON. SEN. MANYENGAVANA: I want to add my voice to the motion that was moved by Hon. Senator Mavenyengwa regarding councils. This is a pertinent issue. Councils have a responsibility to provide decent accommodation, clean water, and good roads.
Councillors who are employed by municipal authorities are elected, they are not full-time employees but they are elected as board members who sit now and again yet there are management officials who are at operational level who operate day to day activities of the council. These are people who are employed on party lines.
Why I am saying that, Mr. President Sir, is because Councillors sit in the Human Resources Committee. After meeting, they choose three people who qualify then Hon. Minister chooses one person from amongst the three. The discretion that is used by the Hon. Minister, history shows that the individual is chosen on party lines. It is disheartening Mr. President Sir, that you may be on the board, but you do not have control over the day to day running of council management.
I am happy because people were talking about clean water. Clean water is quite important but the challenge Mr. President is that in Harare, when we attained Independence in 1980, we had 700 000 citizens, but now we have over three million people in Harare. We are talking about Harare and Chitungwiza. We were supposed to have constructed Kunzvi Dam and also Muda Dam, which was supposed to supply Chitungwiza, but it is not possible because Government is not approving the programmes.
There is PRAZ which was introduced in 2012, councils cannot have unapproved expenditures by Government. So, Government plays the oversight role. The issue is not about Councillors, but it is about the Executive which is interfering in council activities and prohibiting councils from operating properly. When you buy a bottle of water, there is tax which goes to the council directly. There is a percentage that goes to the council when you buy water from the council and goes to council revenues. The challenge is councils are not getting these monies. When we were growing up, we knew that when you have car, you would pay your taxes at the council offices.
Mr. President, when we were growing up, we were paying our car licenses at the Council Offices, but this was taken over by ZINARA. When ZINARA gets its share, you find that the allocation of the money is not going to local authorities. Local authorities are not benefiting from ZINARA, but a lot of cars are destroying our roads yet we blame Councillors when the issue lies with the Executive…
HON. SEN. GOTORA: On a point of order Mr. President. I think, it is not fair to work on assumption. The whole purpose of this debate is to find solutions and not to create aspersions. Motor vehicle licences have always been a preserve of the Department of Roads always. You could go and pay for your motor vehicle licence at OK Supermarket and OK would get a commission. You could pay for your motor vehicle licence at the Post Office and the Post Office would get a commission. Likewise, you could pay for your motor vehicle licence at local authorities and get a commission, but the local authorities abused this thing early at Independence. They then started stealing the money from the Department of Roads because they thought it was their money. It was never their money.
So, we need to speak with facts. When we fail, we must admit that we have failed and must then be able to say, what is it that we must do? The urban local authorities, let me tell you, have 54 powers. They are using …
HON. SEN. MANYENGAVANA: On a point of order Mr. President. The Hon. Senator is now debating.
THE TEMPORARY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: You are now debating Hon. Member. You may proceed Hon. Senator.
*HON. SEN. MANYENGAVANA: Thank you Mr. President Sir. I am not going to respond to what my elder said because when we grew up, we never used to respond to our elders.
Mr. President Sir, I would like to inform this august House that whatever was said in Harare in the roundabout area, we said that they have to construct 21 bridges in 2019. Engineers came from South Africa to design the diagram there. It showed us that it was supposed to be built using $43million. The bridges should have been completed within a year and six months but before proceeding, Government announced that they had already used $97 million. Right now, one can see that Government has spent more than $100million. We fail to understand it Mr. President Sir.
I would like to thank Hon. Senator Mavenyengwa who helped to disclose what has been hurting us inside. As he was talking about corruption, corruption is not within local authorities, but is within the Executive or the high-positioned people. You can verify the figures that I just mentioned, if you go to 2021. We had an issue to do with Pomona, whereby council said that they could not collaborate with Pomona, which was a Ministerial directive. It had been sourced by the then Hon. Minister, July Moyo. A lot of councillors were tasked to state as to why they were refusing to partner with a foreigner.
Currently, Harare City is paying a lot of money to Pomona because of something that was done by the Executive. Mr. President Sir, what is being done within the Executive is tantamount to disrupting council service delivery. I heard him talking about boreholes. Honestly speaking, you want us to be drilling boreholes in town in this 21st century? We actually have tap water in our rural areas and you are talking of boreholes in towns; that is not development Mr. President Sir.
When we grew up, we used to have those Executive Mayors. I am happy when he was saying he was once a Deputy Minister but, he was an Executive Mayor for Gweru where he did his mayoral duties, which was excellent.
Now that they introduced the ceremonial mayors without Executive powers, I feel that they have to bring back the issue of Executive Mayors to run all the cities independently without Government’s interference. As Parliament, we will then do our oversight role. I am very happy when somebody mentioned the issue of Rufaro Stadium. It was once closed because we could not meet the modern standards which were expected.
It was not only Rufaro Stadium which was closed, even the National Sports Stadium was also closed. I agree with the previous Speaker that the National Sports Stadium which is being run by the Government, it is not open as we speak. It means that the Council is working very hard. Right now, Harare City Council is working on having those plastic baskets for people to sit. Even if you go into their changing rooms, you emulate Manchester Stadium. I am simply saying Council is working very hard and the problem is from the other side.
Mr. President Sir, the other duty of councillors is for people to have decent accommodation. Our parents used to do the wedding ceremony and then they were given the houses. For someone to become a landlord, you have to be affiliated to a certain land baron and that land baron should be affiliated to a certain political party. This country is not running on well, simply because land barons are not being arrested.
In Chitungwiza, we have 10 000 unregistered land barons and they are not paying any rates to the council. They were allocated by various political councillors. We used to say if you want a stand in Chitungwiza, we could go to Dr. Mabamba, and may his soul rest in peace. All the wet lands and everything, there are no recreational areas simply because of these land barons.
So, Hon. Mavenyengwa, I believe that you are going to change your prayer because you never heard another angle of seeing these which we are seeing as people who stay in urban areas. I do not want to continue speaking, I thank you Mr. President Sir.
THE TEMPORARY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: Thank you Hon. Senator for your debate. Whenever you want to debate in future, do not debate as if you are responding to someone who raised the issue to you but address everything to the Chair. Thank you.
HON. SEN. MAVENYENGWA: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. RUNGANI: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Thursday, 25th July, 2024.
On the motion of HON. SEN. GOTORA, seconded by HON. SEN. MAKAMBA, the Senate adjourned at Twenty-Six Minutes past Four o’clock p.m. until Tuesday, 3rd September, 2024.