MUTARE - The health time bomb in Chikanga Phase 3 high-density suburbs Garikai housing scheme continues to tick while the government looks the other way. The residents of the governments infamous Garikai/Hlalani Kuhle housing scheme, many of whom are war veterans and Zanu (PF) supporters, are living in filthy conditions almost seven years after the programme was launched. Close to 200 Zanu (PF) supporters were allocated the two-roomed houses as pay back for supporting the fading party. The people were allocated the houses without proper water and toilet facilities due to bickering between the Mutare city council and the government over the implementation of the programme.
The city council argued that under existing by-laws the houses could not be occupied without proper sanitation, but the Zanu (PF) government through Ignatius Chombo the Minister of Local Government Urban and Rural Development was determined to fast track the scheme.
Almost seven years later, the council has not has not yet provided water sewerage services and roads. We do not know why the city council is failing to provide us with essential services. Its now about seven years now and we still do not have proper toilets and running water. We feel that someone is sabotaging this programme, said Willard Makoni a resident at the area. He said most of the residents had resorted to using bush toilets and were fetching water from unprotected sources because there was no running water. We wake up early in the morning and bath in Sakubva River. We also drink the same water. Those with money are buying the water from nearby residents in Chikanga who have the piped water, said Moses Nyakuchena.
He said they were buying clean water for drinking and cooking for US$1 for a 20litre bucket daily. At the inception of the unpopular housing scheme, Chombo openly clashed with the then Mutare MDC executive mayor, Misheck Kagurabadza, over the criteria used in allocating stands in the suburb. The Mutare City Council has said it does not have authority over programmes initiated by the ministry of local government. The council has referred residents to direct their complaints to the relevant ministry.
Post published in: News