“These residents charge us for using their bathroom. Some of them charge a dollar a visit,” he said.
Mbare residents approach the farmers and offer them water and toilet facilities. Some also offer to accommodate them overnight for as much as $10.
Another farmer from Mutoko blamed the Harare City Council for worsening their plight by failing to provide basic services such as running water and proper ablutions. Female farmers are the worst affected. “For men, not bathing over a long time might not be a big deal, but women have no choice but to part with their money,” said Varaidzo Mareya.
Lloyd Makununika who lives in Mbare’s Matapi admitted that local residents were making a killing.
“I don’t see this as a big issue. This is business and you know these are necessities you cannot do without so we are providing a service for the desperate farmers,” said Makunika.
Mbare MP, Piniel Denga, said he had met with the HCC Town Clerk, Tendai Mahachi, to ask him to address the problems.
Post published in: Agriculture