DUNGWIZA NEWS

Chitown MPs grill Minister over sewer, town clerk, Nyatsime mess

“As the Ministry, it is also seized with the issue and will be assisting the Municipality of Chitungwiza to address all the outstanding challenges bedevilling the scheme. The legal functionaries within the Ministry, together with the Minister of Lands and the affected councils are working on navigating the legal hurdles in addressing the issues in Nyatsime.”

Published

12 months ago

October 23, 2025

Editor

By ALBERT MASAKA

CHITUNGWIZA legislators on Tuesday grilled Local Government and Public Works Deputy Minister, Benjamin Kabikira over service delivery challenges plaguing the town with the MPs demanding answers from government on how it will address the sewer, town clerk and Nyatsime crises, a thorn in the flesh of residents for years.

In response, Kabikira said the government plans to make Chitungwiza Council a water authority to improve the town’s water supply and alleviate the sewer challenges.

“The Central Government is working on making Chitungwiza a water authority, which would improve the supply of water to the town and ultimately, alleviate the sewer problem,” he said.

St Mary’s legislator, Brighton Mazhindu, had asked the government if it had any strategies to address the persistent sewer blockages, and associated public health risks in Zengeza 1 and St Mary’s

Mazhindu expressed concerns on whether the council will succeed as in the past similar sewer pipe replacement projects it was currently carrying out had not produced results due to the lack of a consistent supply of water.

Kabikira had attributed the perennial sewer challenges to the lack of reticulated water and announced that Chitungwiza is set to benefit from the Kunzvi Dam project, which will improve water supply.

“Chitungwiza is also set to benefit from Kunzvi Dam whereby supply of water to the town is expected to improve,” he said.

The Deputy Minister also revealed that the government was exploring public-private partnerships (PPPs) to address the sewer challenges.

However, Zengeza West MP, Innocent Zvaipa, raised concerns about effluent flowing into residents’ homes, making them uninhabitable.

“My question is, whilst the pipes are being fixed, how long is it going to take whilst people have this affluent flowing into their homes because homes have become inhabitable?” he asked.

Kabikira cited a lack of skilled workers and construction equipment as major challenges but promised to provide assistance.

“From the report that I am getting, I have been informed that we now have qualified staff and have enough staff. The other challenge that was there was that the construction equipment was not enough but as a Ministry, we bought yellow machines equipment which has been allocated to councils so that they solve the different challenges,” he said.

The MPs also grilled the Deputy Minister about the absence of a substantive Town Clerk in Chitungwiza for over a decade. Kabikira explained that due process must be followed, but Zvaipa disputed this, citing a court ruling that the Town Clerk and council cannot work together.

“So, for the Town Clerk to come back, it is not possible. It is now 10 years since the town clerk is not at work. As a Ministry, are there no other interventions that you can employ in order to assist the people so that another Town Clerk can be employed?” Zvaipa asked.

Kabikira said the Ministry has taken steps to resolve the issue and conclude the deliberations by asking Chitungwiza to avail all the communications between council and the Town Clerk.

“So, the Ministry wrote a letter to the council so that the council can furnish the Ministry with the severance package of the Town Clerk. So, we are still waiting for that communication and once we receive that letter, then we would expedite the successful completion of this issue,” he said.

The parliamentary session highlighted the need for urgent action to address the challenges facing Chitungwiza residents. The government has promised to intervene and provide assistance to resolve the issues.

Nyatsime Housing Scheme

Mazhindu also raised concerns about the fate of thousands of beneficiaries of the Nyatsime Housing Scheme who purchased residential stands from Chitungwiza Municipality in 2007 but have yet to take occupation.

In response, Kabikira said that the scheme falls under the jurisdiction of both Chitungwiza Municipality and Manyame Rural District Council.

However, he confirmed that the Nyatsime Housing Scheme falls within Longlands and Braemer farms, allocated to Chitungwiza Municipality for urban development.

“However, Chitungwiza when the Municipality proceeded to develop a layout and subsequently allocated stands arising from the layout to various beneficiaries, the scheme suffered setbacks arising from litigation by two A2 farmers who had been previously allocated farming plots in Braemer.

“The Ministry, in its wisdom, then decided to constitute a Manyame-Chitungwiza Joint Committee with the intention of bringing sanity to the area. This is because part of the Nyatsime area falls under the jurisdiction of the Manyame Rural District Council in Mashonaland East Province,” he said.

However, currently the Joint Committee was no not active. Notwithstanding the role of the Joint Committee, Chitungwiza Municipality has remained committed to administering the Nyatsime Housing Scheme as provided under Section 205 (1) of the Urban Councils Act [Chapter 29:15], he said

The Deputy Minister said the Ministry was seized with the issue and will do its best to resolve these challenges and urged beneficiaries to approach both councils for assistance.

“The Chitungwiza Municipality has since called for beneficiaries to visit Council offices with a view to verifying beneficiaries as part of the process of identifying property owners under the scheme. The two planning authorities, that is, Chitungwiza Municipality and Manyame Rural District Council, are to address challenges relating to the land in question.

Zvaipa asked what will happen to those who bought the land that was now illegally occupied by others.

“The other issue that was raised by the Minister is that this is a joint programme between Manyame and Chitungwiza. I believe that this is not correct because the people bought from Chitungwiza Municipality without Manyame. However, if they are told to approach both Manyame and Chitungwiza, then they are being led astray. So, from the situation, the question is, do we have alternative land to allocate them?”

The deputy minister said government were seized that the issue, since it affected many people and has held several meetings with the Chitungwiza and Manyame councils, to understand where the issue stands.

Flooding and Sewerage Issues

Mazhindu also asked about measures to address recurrent flooding in areas such as Manyame Park and the construction of houses along the Manyame River.

Kabikira said Chitungwiza is prosecuting those involved in illegal developments and plans to embark on regularization to remove settlements on riverbanks.

“Council is also planning to embark on regularisation, whereby those settled in areas that are not habitable, such as riverbanks will be removed. This will alleviate the problem caused by settlements on river banks,” he said.

Godfrey Sithole, Chitungwiza North MP, asked about a comprehensive report on addressing sewerage problems in Chitungwiza. Kabikira said the council is planning to embark on regularization and prosecution of those involved in illegal developments.

The government’s efforts to address the sewerage and flooding issues in Chitungwiza are ongoing, but the residents are eagerly awaiting tangible results. The parliamentary session served as a reminder of the need for urgent action to address the challenges facing the town.

Related Topics:Chitungwiza Kabukira Mazhindu Nyatsime sewer Sithole Zvaipa

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Chitown Ward 24 Cllr Matsika dismisses claims he backs Jambanja Market demolition

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Nyatsime housing beneficiaries plot to sue Chitungwiza over stands

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DUNGWIZA NEWS

CHITUNGWIZA MUNICIPALITY 510TH ORDINARY COUNCIL MEETING ROUND UP

Speaking during the 510th Ordinary Council meeting held on 25 August 2026 in the Council Chamber, Her Worship said the town must be well-planned and organised.

Published

1 week ago

September 30, 2026

Editor

Mayor Mangoma: Illegal Truck Stops in Units C and J Must Go

BY Dungwiza News Reporter

CHITUNGWIZA mayor councillor Rosaria Mangoma recently raised concern over the mushrooming of undesignated truck stops and illegal car parks in Units C, J and other roadsides.

Speaking during the 510th Ordinary Council meeting held on 25 August 2026 in the Council Chamber, Her Worship said the town must be well-planned and organised.

She urged relevant departments to act on illegal truck stops and car parks, saying municipal land must be properly managed at a time Council is struggling with low revenue collection while many revenue streams remain unexplored.

The meeting was chaired by Her Worship, with acting town clerk Japson Nemuseso in attendance.

#DungwizaNews #Chitungwiza #MayorMangoma #IllegalTruckStops #ServiceDelivery

𝐏𝐨𝐨𝐫 𝐓𝐮𝐫𝐧-𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐇𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐁𝐮𝐝𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 — 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐁𝐥𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐨𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

BY Dungwiza News Reporter

COUNCILLORS have blasted their management staff over poor communication that led to low turnout at recent consultative budget meetings.

The issue was raised during the 510th Ordinary Council meeting on 25 August 2026.

Councillor Gylord Chenjera questioned whether the meetings were successful, saying he observed very low turnout.

Acting town clerk Japson Nemuseso admitted meetings were scheduled but attendance was poor and below expectations.

Councillors Watmore Muchairi, Agatha Mujati, and Peter Clever Matiringe said there was no proper hailing done and messages were only circulated in WhatsApp groups on the morning of the meetings.

They also raised concerns over distance of venues which disadvantaged the elderly, and language barrier.

Cllr Matiringe called for messages to be communicated in vernacular.

Council agreed that ward-based meetings should be considered, councillors and ward development committees should be more involved, and the acting public relations officer must improve timely communication. Council will also consider providing refreshments at feedback meetings. #DungwizaNews #Chitungwiza #BudgetConsultations #PublicParticipation

𝐀𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐞𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐑𝐨𝐝𝐬 — 𝐔𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐉𝐨𝐛𝐬

By Dungwiza News Reporter

A heated debate erupted in Council over missing sewer rods.

According to Audit and Risk Committee recommendations tabled at the 510th Ordinary Council meeting, supervision must be improved, sewer rods should be branded in Council’s name, and broken rods must be surrendered to stores.

Chitungwiza deputy mayor Cllr Edmore Muringa said the Sewer Section had no rods to use, yet workers were being seen with rods doing private jobs.

Councillors agreed that branding at point of manufacture and through infrared light should be explored, and that supervisors must keep a proper register.

Council resolved to adopt the audit monthly report for July 2026.

#DungwizaNews #Chitungwiza #AuditReport #SewerRods #Accountability

ZINARA 𝐅𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐬 s𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐝 — c𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐥 f𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐬 𝐭𝐨 a𝐜𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐭, m𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝟑 d𝐢𝐬𝐛𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬

By Dungwiza News Reporter

Chitungwiza Municipality has not received any ZINARA disbursements this year because it failed to acquit previous funds.

This emerged during the 510th Ordinary Council meeting on 25 August 2026. Her Worship Mayor cllr Rosaria Mangoma bemoaned that Council should receive three disbursements per year but had received nothing to date.

The delay was caused by change of procurement from employing extra Public Works workers and a vehicle to prioritising tipper trucks, which required lengthy approvals.

Councillors also clashed with Procurement over tipper truck delivery.

Only one truck had been delivered out of two promised, and it was delivered unbranded.

Councillors Mujati and Chitembwe demanded urgent delivery, branding, and accountability.

Council resolved that Works must expedite acquittals of ZINARA funds.

#DungwizaNews #Chitungwiza #ZINARA #TipperTrucks #Procurement

𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐥 𝐃𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐔𝐒$𝟓𝟎0 𝐭𝐨 𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐲𝐞𝐞 𝐖𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐇𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐁𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐭

By Dungwiza News Reporter

Chitungwiza Municipality will assist Mrs Sibongile Mudzingwa, a Council employee whose house was destroyed by fire, with US$500.

The resolution was passed during the 510th Ordinary Council meeting on 25 August 2026 following a motion by Councillor Mashonganyika, seconded by Cllr Chenjera and Cllr Pewula.

The meeting ended at 18:43 pm. 16 councillors were absent who had tendered apologies

.#DungwizaNews #Chitungwiza #CouncilCompassion #SibongileMudzingwa

DUNGWIZA NEWS

Chitown Ward 24 Cllr Matsika dismisses claims he backs Jambanja Market demolition

‘Unfortunately, councils operate through resolutions and as an individual, I hold no power to veto any decision arrived at through a majority decision. I have no authority as an individual councillor to halt a Ministerial directive;

Published

1 week ago

September 30, 2026

Editor

By Dungwiza News Reporter

CHITUNGWIZA ward 24 Councillor Obert Matsika has broken his silence over accusations that he is siding with the government’s latest directive to demolish illegal vending structures under Operation Chenesa Harare.

Some vendors at Jambanja Market in his ward, reportedly aligned to Zanu PF, have been circulating messages on social media accusing the councillor of supporting the planned destruction of the stalls.

In a statement issued on 26 September 2026 and seen by Dungwiza News, Cllr Matsika said the messages are false, defamatory and laced with hate speech and political malice.

“I have noted with concern some messages circulating on various social media platforms falsely attacking and defaming my character as the Councillor of Ward 24 in Chitungwiza.

“I appeal to Ward 24 residents, stakeholders and the general citizenry to ignore these misleading messages with connotations of hate speech, politically motivated malice and attacks,” Matsika said.

Matsika said he represents all residents in Ward 24, including informal traders, and sympathises with vendors targeted under Operation Chenesa Harare.

He revealed that he was raised by a family of informal traders who paid for his school fees through vending, and that he himself has been a product of Jambanja Market since 2008.

“It pains me to look back and not associate with this market that brought me this far. It is against this background that I will never incite the destruction of market stalls.”

The councillor said that Operation Chenesa Harare is not a Chitungwiza Municipality initiative, but a central government directive being implemented by all local authorities in Harare Metropolitan Province.

“Unfortunately, councils operate through resolutions and as an individual, I hold no power to veto any decision arrived at through a majority decision. I have no authority as an individual councillor to halt a Ministerial directive,” he said.

“Operation Chenesa Harare is a central government directive and is being implemented by all the local authorities in the Harare Metropolitan Province. It is therefore disheartening that some partisan and myopic individuals are spreading falsehoods and hate speech and dragging my name into a process that emanated from the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works.”

Matsika said he has a soft spot for informal traders at Jambanja and wants a stakeholder-driven solution and reorganisation of vending in the town, rather than destruction.

He noted that informal traders occupy a strategic position in the economy and contribute immensely to the economic development of Zimbabwe.

As a member of Chitungwiza Council’s Small and Medium Enterprises Committee, Matsika said he will continue advocating for the recognition, reorganisation and improvement of the welfare of all informal traders.

Government last week announced a fresh crackdown on illegal vending structures in Harare Metropolitan Province, a move that has triggered anxiety among thousands of informal traders in Chitungwiza who depend on markets like Jambanja for survival.

Breaking News

Nyatsime housing beneficiaries plot to sue Chitungwiza over stands

…Council fails to provide stands 16 yrs after full payment

…all parties must give dialogue a chance says gvt

Published

2 years ago

October 9, 2024

Editor

By ALBERT MASAKA

IN A bold move that is aimed at seeking justice from Chitungwiza Municipality, thousands of Nyatsime housing beneficiaries are mulling a class action lawsuit to demand formal allocation of their stands 16 years after paying for them, a situation that will heavily expose the cash-strapped council to bankruptcy.

A representative of the aggrieved persons, Bothwell Mahobele told Dungwiza News recently that the class lawsuit against Chitungwiza was aimed at seeking redress from the council over its failure to deliver residential stands to the beneficiaries who purchased them between 2006 and 2010.

“Despite receiving payment, the municipality has not fulfilled its obligations, leaving over thousands of individual home seekers without their rightful properties for 16 years. The municipality’s inaction and lack of accountability is the one compelling us to seek justice through legal action.”

“After trying to engage with them in November 2023, we were met with complacency and excuses. There is lack of accountability and urgency with Chitungwiza Municipal Authorities.

He said they were in the process of engaging a legal team consisting of experienced attorneys that specialise in property law and human rights.

“We anticipate filing the case within the next few weeks, once all necessary documentation which is already in progress is finalised except in the event that Chitungwiza Municipal authorities come forth with a meaningful response.”

He added that thousands of individuals were affected, with total losses estimated at US$10 million.

“This figure accounts for the initial purchase prices at the prevailing or current price of land and land/stands development service charges from the same Council, interest, and opportunity costs incurred over the 16-year period.

“Our grievances include breach of contract, failure to deliver residential stands, lack of accountability, the municipal authorities’ inaction and complacency and financial losses incurred due to delayed or non-delivery.

“We seek delivery of our residential stands, allocation of stands to beneficiaries and compensation in the form of financial restitution for losses incurred.”

Chitungwiza public relations manager Tafadzwa Kachiko said the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works was seized with this matter, and once a position was set, members of the public will be notified.

Responding to questions sent by this publication, the chief director of Spatial Planning and Development in the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works Shingirai Mushamba said that government was aware of the complex challenges that exist with the Nyatsime Housing Scheme and that efforts to resolve the matter have so far not been successful.

“Further, government appreciates the fact that some stakeholders have become impatient. It however, urges parties to dialogue and to find a lasting solution.

“The applicants for the land, Chitungwiza Municipality, Manyame Rural District Council and government, together with other stakeholders will convene soon under the leadership of respective Ministers to find a permanent and win-win solution. All parties are encouraged to give dialogue a chance,” Mushamba said.

In 2005, Chitungwiza sold over 11 000 stands covering Braemer Farm (818 3586ha) and Longlands Farm (215,64ha) and due to overwhelming demand by beneficiaries, the municipality ended up subdiving the stands to create an additional 15 457 stands.

Through Statutory Instrument 211 of 2021, government later set up a six member joint committee, made up of three councillors each from Chitungwiza Municipality and Manyame Rural District Council to manage the six farms located in Ward 9.

The committee, which has powers of an urban authority, managed Braemer, Longlands, Cawdor, Edinburg, Tantallon and Dunnottar farms situated in ward 9 in the district of Seke in between the area administered by Chitungwiza Municipality and that administered by Manyame Rural.

Along the way the joint committee stopped functioning after the then Local Government minister replaced it with Urdcorp after he felt that the joint committee was not equal to the task as some members were pursuing self-interests.

The minister’s decision, which created an administrative vacuum on the six farms turned into residential areas, particularly Longlands and Bremer, is threatening to get out of hand if it is not urgently attended to.