Administrative Assistant

Student Attachees: Retail (Bulawayo)

Student Attachees: ICT

Community Development Worker (Harare)

Infrastructure Specialist (Harare)

Finance Intern/ Attache` (Harare)

TOPP Trainee (Harare)

Step User (Chihota)

Disability Inclusion Officer (Mudzi)

Lecturers

Executive Director

Finance and Human Resources Manager

Software Engineer

Network Administrator

Workshop Operative

TFCA Programme Officer (Grade: D1)

Finance & Accounting Interns (Harare)

Actuarial Analyst

Creative Design Officer

Marketing and Communications Officer (Harare)

Howo Drivers (Hwange)

Communications Intern (Harare)

Control Technician (Harare)

ICT Enterprise Solutions Consultants (Harare)

Sales Consultant (Harare)

Procurement and Logistics Officer (Harare)

Entrepreneurship Skills Coordinator (Harare)

Human Resource Officer (Mutare)

Finance Officer (Mutare)

Education, Parenting, and In-School Officers x3

DREAMS Data Collation Clerks x32

DREAMS District Mentor (Seke)

Young KP Field Officer (Seke)

DREAMS Program Nurses x10

Facility Priority Services (PMTCT/Paeds) Focal Person x50

No Means No Lead Trainers x12

Families Matter Program (FMP) Facilitators x16 (Nkayi)

Administrative Trainees x5 (Lupane)

Sport Development Officers (Harare)

Co-ordinator for Director Commercial (Harare)

Public and Media Relations Officer (Harare)

Business Development Officer (Harare)

Legal Officer (Harare)

Scholarship Opportunities

Part-Time Welder/ Fabricator (Harare)

Part-Time Repairs/ Faults Technicians (Harare)

Part-Time Solar Systems Installation Technician (Harare)

Part-Time Bookkeeper (Harare)

Accountant

Deputy Librarian

ICT Technician (Bulawayo)

Library Assistants x2 (Harare)

Security Guards x3 (Harare)

Digital Campaign Officer (Harare)

Risk Analyst (Harare)

Furniture Designer (Bulawayo)

3 Wheeler Van Salesman (Bulawayo)

Regional Finance And Administration Assistant x4 (Harare, Mutare, Bulawayo & Gweru)

Homebased RGN (Harare)

DHIS2 Specialist (Tsholotsho)

Database Modeller (Bubi)

Provincial ICT Intern x3 (Tsholotsho)

Systems Support Specialist (Lupane)

Systems Engineer

Economic Strengthening and Household Officer x5

No Means No Officer (Bulawayo)

District Team Leader and Clinical Services and Mentorship Officer

Education, Parenting, and In-School Officers x5

GBV, RBM, and Child Protection Officers x5

HIV Prevention and ASRH Officer

GBV, Child Protection and Key Populations Coordinator (Bulawayo)

Data Officer (Bulawayo)

HIV Prevention and Adolescent Sexual Reproductive Health Coordinator (Bulawayo)

Branch Managers (Kadoma & Shurugwi)

Products & Research Officer

Lecturer/senior Lecturer/associate Professor/ Professor: Department Of Agribusiness And Management

Livestock Technician

Lecturer/ Senior Lecturer/ Associate Professor/ Professor: Soil Biology And Fertility

Lecturer/ Senior Lecturer/ Associate Professor/ Professor In Ndebele

Sports Director

Catering And Accommodation Manager

Internal Auditor

Chief Security Officer

Director, Information And Communication Technology

Attachees (Harare)

Assistant Shelter Coordinator (Harare)

Branch Manager (Chiredzi)

Bancassurance Agents

Medical Laboratory Scientist (Bindura)

SHE Officer (Shurugwi)

Personal Assistant to the CEO (Harare)

Trainee Parts Picker

Cook Or Chef (Harare)

Graduate Trainee: Management (Harare)

Fabricator/ Boiler Maker Class 1: Contract (Mutare)

Maintenance Fitter: Contract (Mutare )

Receptionist (Harare)

Driver: Confucius Institute

Business Intelligence Specialist (Harare)

President Emmerson Mnangagwa appointed six non-constituency Ministers into his Cabinet, out of a possible seven from outside parliament. Some of the Ministers had lost their seats prior to the election.
In 2018, the non-constituency Ministers included individuals like Professor Mthuli Ncube (Finance), Professor Amon Murwira (Higher Education), <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Kirsty_Coventry/">Kirsty Coventry</a> (Sports), Dr. <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Obadiah_Moyo/">Obadiah Moyo</a> (Health), and <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/July_Moyo/">July Moyo</a> (Local Government).
The non-constituency Ministers for the period of 2023-2028 are Kirsty Coventry, Mangaliso Ndlovu, Mthuli Ncube, Ziyambi Ziyambi, Amon Murwira, and Anxious Masuka.

<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/09/12/president-mnangagwa-has-defended-the-reappointment-of-minister-kirsty-coventry/">President Mnangagwa Has Defended The Reappointment Of Minister Kirsty Coventry</a></li>
</ul>
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Mangaliso_Ndlovu/">Mangaliso Ndlovu:</a></h3>
Mangaliso Ndlovu, former Tourism Minister, lost his seat as his previous constituency, Bulilima East, merged into a new constituency called Bulilima. The seat was won by Dingumuzi Phuti, who was the Member of Parliament for Bulilima West. However, Ndlovu has been given a new role. To accommodate him, President Mnangagwa split the old Ministry, appointing Barbara Rwodzi as the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality, while retaining Ndlovu as the Minister of Environment, Climate, and Wildlife. Tongai Mnangagwa, the President’s nephew and MP for Harare South, was named as Ndlovu’s deputy.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Anxious_Masuka/">Dr Anxious Masuka:</a></h3>
President Mnangagwa exempted Minister Anxious Masuka from constituency politics to focus on reviving the agriculture sector. Masuka and John Basera were recognised as top performers in the 2022 evaluation. Masuka will serve as a non-constituency legislator, according to Mnangagwa’s column in The Sunday Mail and Sunday News. He wrote:
<blockquote>
I have released Minister Anxious Masuka from the distractions of constituency politics so his sole focus and sole politics relate to this one goal of transforming our agriculture for a food-secure Nation for all times.
He will be a non-constituency Member of Parliament, so he has enough time to live, think and dream of agriculture only. 
In 2022, Zimbabwe achieved a record wheat harvest as farmers delivered over 375 000 tonnes to the Grain Marketing Board (GMB).
Before last year’s output, the highest-ever wheat output since commercial production began in the 1960s was 325 000 tonnes realised in 1990.
</blockquote>
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Ziyambi_Ziyambi/">Ziyambi Ziyambi</a></h3>
Ziyambi Ziyambi was reappointed as the non-constituency Minister of Justice, Legal, and Parliamentary Affairs. Despite losing in the ZANU PF primary elections, attempts to save him through a rerun indicated his continued favour. Ziyambi’s history of pushing legislation to strengthen President Mnangagwa’s power is not surprising. He demonstrated his loyalty by criticizing observer reports. His deputy is lawyer Norbert Mazungunye, who won against <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Fortune_Chasi/">Fortune Chasi</a> in the ZANU PF primaries.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Mthuli_Ncube/">Mthuli Ncube</a></h3>
Ncube retains the Ministry of Finance, now called Finance and Investment Promotion. He lost his constituency seat but was reappointed as a non-constituency Minister. Despite development initiatives, criticism remains for austerity measures, currency issues, and economic instability. Public scepticism lingers regarding his ability to address these concerns. Ncube’s experience and qualifications:
– Chief Economist and Vice President of the African Development Bank. 
– Expertise in finance, economics, investment, and public policy. 
– Entrepreneur and academic. 
– Professor at the University of Oxford, teaching economic development, public policy, and business in Africa. 
– HSBC Distinguished Professor of Banking and Financial Markets at the University of the Witwatersrand. 
– Founder and former CEO of Barbican Bank. 
– Lecturer in Finance at the London School of Economics. 
– Dean and Professor of Finance at Wits Business School. 
– Board member of the South African Financial Services Board. 
– Chairman of the National Small Business Advisory Council. 
– Chairman of the Board of the African Economic Research Consortium. 
– Minister of Finance and Investment Promotion in Zimbabwe since 2023.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Amon_Murwira/">Amon Murwira</a></h3>
Amon Murwira is another non-constituency Minister who was appointed by President Mnangagwa. He is an academic and was retained as Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology Development. He holds a PhD in Geo-Information Science and has expertise in GIS and Remote Sensing. Murwira worked as an ecologist in Zimbabwe’s Department of Natural Resources and is a Fellow of the Zimbabwe Academy of Sciences.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Pindula News

New Cabinet: President Mnangagwa's Non-Constituency Ministers

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has moved Winston Chitando from the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development to the Ministry of <a class="new" href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/index.php?title=Local_Government,_Public_Works_and_National_Housing&amp;action=edit&amp;redlink=1" title="Local Government, Public Works and National Housing (page does not exist)">Local Government and Public Works</a>. 
Earlier this year, the Ministry of Mines came under scrutiny after an Al Jazeera expose on the alleged “Gold Mafia”, a term that refers to a network or organised crime group involved in illegal gold mining, smuggling, and trading. The Al Jazeera documentary highlighted how these individuals or groups exploit unlawful gold operations, leading to corruption, environmental harm, and human rights violations.
The documentary investigates the scale of this illegal gold trade and its negative impact on affected areas and communities. Such illicit activities pose a threat to Zimbabwe’s goal of reaching a $12 billion mining industry and tarnish the country’s reputation.
Chitando has assumed the role of Minister of Local Government, taking over from July Moyo, who has been reassigned to the Ministry of Public Service. The Ministry of Local Government has also faced scrutiny due to various tender controversies, including the Pomona waste-to-energy agreement between Harare City Council (HCC) and Geogenix, fronted by Delish Nguwaya. The project aims to produce 22MW of electricity and generate around 300 job opportunities. However, the deal requires Harare to pay US$22,000 daily to Geogenix BV, which some CCC councillors consider excessive for a council struggling to provide essential public goods and services due to limited resources.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Winston Chitando Moved From The Ministry Of Mines

The Government has authorised local authorities, that can afford, to have their outgoing mayors and chairpersons buy vehicles that have been allocated to them.
This comes after some outgoing mayors and chairpersons requested to buy their official vehicles at the expiry of their terms of office.
<a href="https://www.sundaynews.co.zw/government-okays-disposal-of-mayoral-vehicles/">The Sunday News</a> reported that a few months ago, Bulawayo Mayor Councillor Solomon Nguni requested to buy his mayoral pool vehicle, a Toyota Hilux Double Cab, for 16 494 as his exit package.
In a communication dated 18 July 2023 to all local authorities, the Minister of Local Government and Public Works, July Moyo said:
<blockquote>
I refer to applications from all authorities in relation to requests by the outgoing mayors and chairpersons to procure mayoral vehicles.
This serves to inform you that local authorities that can afford should consider disposing of the vehicles to the outgoing mayors and chairpersons.
</blockquote>
As per tradition, exiting mayors are offered an opportunity to buy one of the mayoral pool cars as exit packages.
In 2018, the council resolved to offer Clr Mguni’s predecessor, Martin Moyo a Mazda BT50 valued at $3 000 or the Chevrolet Trailblazer at the depreciated value of $14 732.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Outgoing Mayors Free To Buy Mayoral Vehicles - Govt

Local Government and Public Works Minister July Moyo has accused opposition councillors at Redcliff Municipality of sabotaging plans to refurbish former ambassador Arikana Chihombori-Quao’s hospital, reported <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/minister-accuses-opposition-councillors-of-sabotaging-refurbishment-of-ex-diplomats-hospital/">NewZimbabwe.com</a>.
Redcliff Municipality recently purchased Torwood Hospital and Bell Medical Centre using devolution funds.
The medical facilities were owned by Chihombori-Quao, a former representative of the African Union Mission to the United States.
Moyo, who is running for the Redcliff National Assembly seat on a ZANU PF ticket, said:
<blockquote>
As government, our position is that Torwood Hospital must be resuscitated as part of our broader plan to have access to quality health for all.
Last year President Emerson Mnangagwa said we must purchase through devolution funds Redcliff Hospital from Arikana Chihombori, who had bought the hospital from Ziscosteel and closed it.
</blockquote>
He claimed that the opposition was sabotaging the Government to make residents vote against the ruling party in upcoming general elections. Said Moyo:
<blockquote>
I once visited Redcliff with the Deputy Minister of Health and told them we had handed over the hospital to them.
We however raised reservations about their ability to run it so the government decided to chip in and have the government run the hospital.
We were expecting to get a letter from the council but nothing happened.
We realized the opposition councillors were not forwarding the letter as they wanted to sabotage development so that people in Redcliff would be pained by the development and vote against the current government.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

July Moyo Accuses Opposition Councillors Of Sabotaging Refurbishment Of Hospital In Redcliff

The Government plans to enact a law that bars uneducated people from running for local authority seats in a move meant to ensure the election of competent councillors capable of running local government affairs and thereby improve service delivery.
Local Government and Public Works Minister July Moyo told <a href="https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/uneducated-politicians-to-be-locked-out-of-councils">The Sunday Mail</a> that the Attorney-General (AG)’s office is currently drafting amendments to the Rural Districts Council Act.
The Bill will, among other things, seek to fix qualifications for those running for council office, as well as provide regulations for the suspension and removal of councillors from office.
Moyo revealed that Cabinet adopted principles to the Bill in March last year. He said:
<blockquote>
We sent the principles to the AG’s office and once a draft Bill is completed, it will be sent to Cabinet.
In terms of councillors’ qualifications, the main aim was to ensure that councillors have minimum qualifications, for example, having a tertiary education qualification.
So, once the draft Bill is done, it will spell out exactly what the minimum qualification will be.
We have counterparts who think the process of selecting a councillor is a popularity contest.
However, we view it as a governance issue, one which affects a lot of issues — ranging from the provision of sanitation, and creating an attractive business environment to attracting international investment.
So, we believe that individuals running a city, town or even a rural district must be capable and have the requisite skills and knowledge.
</blockquote>
Moyo, however, noted that the new regulations will not be ready for the general elections scheduled for later this year.
He said running councils is a serious matter, therefore, they need to be run by people of higher intellectual calibre.
The opposition councillors have often been accused of incompetence and corruption with some of them reportedly acquiring numerous residential stands during their terms of office whilst service delivery continues to deteriorate.
However, some observers argue that it would be unfair to discriminate against people based on their level of education.
They say it is the duty of the electorate to select candidates they deem capable of fulfilling their aspirations regardless of their level of education.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

New Law To Set Minimum Qualifications For Councillors

City Parking, a subsidiary of <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Harare_City_Council">Harare City Council</a>, has announced some changes to parking rules and enforcement with effect from the 10th of March 2023.
In a statement seen by Pindula News, City Parking said:
<blockquote>
Following consultations with key stakeholders concerning City Parking enforcement operations, the following changes shall be made effective the 10th of March 2023:
1. Unpaid vehicles shall be clamped and fined $132.00 or equivalent after a 30-minute grace period.
2. Paid vehicles shall be clamped and fined $132.00 or equivalent after an hour’s grace period from expiry.
3. The level of the fine can only be reviewed through a budgetary process which the city council is looking into.
4. Make use of our WhatsApp bot on 0719515601 or dial *192# for convenient self-service parking.
5. It is expected that these changes will bring relief to the motoring public and increase compliance and order in the public interest. 
6. Please pay for parking to avoid inconveniences associated with clamping. 
7. For queries and complaints please contact us on our toll-free hotlines 08080558 and 08080557. 
</blockquote>
This comes after a public uproar after motorists were fined US$130 cash. The uproar prompted the Minister of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing, July Moyo, to appoint a team <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/harare-city-parking-under-probe-over-exorbitant-clamping-fees/">to investigate City Parking’s operations.</a>
The issues that are being investigated include the parking fees; the average daily collection levels; the shareholding structure between Council and City Parking; the role of the Municipal Traffic Police in Parking; the relationship, if any, between the ZRP Harare Traffic and City Parking.
Harare City Council gave City Parking marshals authority to clamp and fine traffic offenders in the Central Business District (CBD).
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

City Parking Adjusts Parking Rules Effective 10 March 2023

The Minister of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing, July Moyo has appointed a team to investigate operations of the City of Harare and its subsidiary company City Parking.
The Harare City Council gave City Parking marshals authority to clamp and fine traffic offenders in the Central Business District (CBD) and this has caused an uproar as the owners of clamped vehicles are being fined US$130 cash.
<ul>
<li>The issues that are being investigated are parking include:</li>
<li>The parking fees</li>
<li>The average daily collection levels</li>
<li>The shareholding structure between Council and City Parking</li>
<li>The role of the Municipal Traffic Police in Parking</li>
<li>The relationship, if any, between the ZRP Harare Traffic and City Parking</li>
</ul>
In a letter written to the spatial planning and development department, Moyo said:
<blockquote>
As provided for in section 313 of the Urban Councils Act (Chapter 29: 15) and as read with ministry circulars regarding deployment of investigation teams, City of Harare will bear the costs of the investigation, which I expect you to complete within 10 (ten) working days, whereupon you shall compile a report of your findings for my consideration within five working days.
</blockquote>
Responding to concerns raised by motorists over exorbitant clamping fines on Twitter on Wednesday, Harare mayor Jacob Mafume said they will seek to strike a balance between the fines and what people can afford. <a href="https://twitter.com/JMafume/status/1633526761936805916">He said</a>:
<blockquote>
We have noted the concerns of the public on this issue. We will be calling a Press Conference tomorrow (today) together with city parking to announce the recommendations we have received from the public. We have to strike a balance between the fines and what people can afford.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Harare City Parking Under Probe Over "Exorbitant" Clamping Fees

The Minister of Local Government and Public Works July Moyo has, with immediate effect, suspended three Kwekwe councillors for alleged gross incompetence.
The councillors are Angeline Kasipo (CCC), who is the former Kwekwe mayor, Melody Chingarande (CCC) and Makomborero Mlambo (ZANU PF).
The three councillors were suspended on the same day MDC-T leader Douglas Mwonzora recalled Kwekwe Deputy Mayor Pikurai Msipa and two other councillors.
A letter by Minister Moyo dated 28 February 2023 reads in part:
<blockquote>
In line with Section 114(2) of the Urban Councils Act, Chapter (29:15) as amended by the Local Government Laws Amendment Act Number 8, of 2016, I have reasonable grounds for suspecting that you Councillor Angeline Kasipo have committed acts of gross misconduct, gross incompetence, and willful violation of the law as referenced in subsection (1) (b) (C) and (e) and hereby suspend you with immediate effect, from the office of Councillor of City of Kwekwe, Ward 10 in terms of Section 114 of the Urban Councils Act (Chapter 29:15)as amended by Section 3 of the Local Government Amendment Act, Number 8 of 2016.
</blockquote>
The councillors allegedly participated in a council process where a motion had been submitted by Councillor Ndlovu, Msipa, Chingarande, Ngwenya and Moyo on a review of the 2023 approved budget. Wrote Moyo:
<blockquote>
You supported the proposal and secondment of the illegal resolution passed on 27 January 2023 of reviewing an approved budget though you were advised by the Chamber Secretary about the illegality.
This was in Violation of the Public Finance Management Act (Chapter 22:19) of the Urban Councils Act (Chapter 29:15).
</blockquote>
Moyo said due to their actions the Kwekwe City Council became ungovernable, illegally operating without a budget.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Local Government Minister Suspends Three Kwekwe Councillors

The Ministry of Local Government and Public Works has approved ninety-two budgets for 2023 presented by local authorities, with four being rejected for various reasons.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, 10 January, Local Government and Public Works Minister July Moyo said the process of budget analysis and consequently approval was conducted from 3 to 10 January this year.
Budgets that were not approved were for Murewa Rural District Council, Karoi Town Council, Binga RDC and Lupane Town Board.
Moyo said Murewa RDC officials will now have to meet Local Government Permanent Secretary Zvinechimwe Churu, to relook into their budget.
A team has also been sent to Karoi Town Council to assist in the proper crafting and adoption of the budget by the council.
Binga RDC and Lupane Town Board have been asked to explain their budgets, which do not seem “achievable because of the level of tariffs”. Said Moyo:
<blockquote>
All budget tariffs have been captured in both US$ and ZWL to allow councils to track the exchange rate movement in line with S1 185 of 2020 over the whole year. 
Most councils proposed standstill budgets except for a few that have made increases. 
Some of the increases were occasioned by a relook of the council’s revenue sources, which have expanded because of following the Rural District Councils Act, Urban Councils Act, or their by-laws.
</blockquote>
Moyo added that all councils had been directed to produce by-laws by 31 January in order to support their budgets. | <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/council-budgets-approved/">The Herald</a>

Ninety-two Council Budgets Approved

Zimbabweans working in South Africa and returning home for Christmas with family and friends have said “money speaks at <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Beitbridge">Beitbridge</a> border post” if they don’t meet some requirements.
Returnees who spoke to the <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/scams-at-beitbridge-border-post/">Chronicle</a> on condition of anonymity said those who were not willing to be tested for COVID-19 stashed money in their passports on arrival at the Zimbabwean side of the border and officers stamped the passports.
This way, travellers avoid lining up for their health status to be checked.
<h2>Some context:</h2>
These reports come when there is <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/hospitals-full-as-china-battles-with-new-covid-wave/">a resurgence of COVID-19 in some countries.</a>
The Minister of Local Government and Public Works, July Moyo, recently urged Zimbabweans to exercise extreme caution in their contacts with diasporans coming home during the current festive season, and those visiting other countries in our region to protect themselves from contracting COVID-19.
Zimbabwe national police spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) was taking the reports of evading COVID-19 screening seriously adding, “we are investigating the matter.”
Another returnee said that Zimbabweans entering South Africa through Beitbridge without permits simply place the amount of money demanded by immigration authorities and are allowed to proceed “without much further ado”.
The Chronicle also reported that the case was the same if a foreigner was stopped inside South Africa without possessing valid work permits – money was paid to bribe officials. 
It is not the first time reports of corruption at the Beitbridge Border Post have been reported. 
Several Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) officials were busted over the years for engaging in underhand dealings that have seen them amassing wealth at the expense of the whole nation.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

"Money Speaks At Beitbridge Border Post" - Travellers Speak Out

The government has resolved to secure Epping Forest and Rochester Aquifer in Nyamandlovu to curb vandalism of electricity infrastructure, which is contributing to Bulawayo’s water crisis.
Police officers and security guards will soon be deployed at Epping Forest and Rochester Aquifer to protect electricity infrastructure which includes transformers and copper cables.
This followed the setting up of an inter-ministerial committee to provide both short and long-term solutions to Bulawayo’s perennial water challenges.
The committee comprises Ministers of Local Government and Public Works; Power and Energy Development; Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage; Lands, Agriculture, Water, Fisheries and Rural Development; Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution, the security sector and Bulawayo City Council (BCC).
Speaking in an interview with State media, Local Government and Public Works Minister July Moyo said security personnel will soon be deployed to safeguard the electricity infrastructure. He said:
<blockquote>
Although ZESA and everyone are suggesting that we replace the copper transformers, which are targeted by thieves, that process is likely to take longer.
What we have, therefore, agreed on is that ZINWA and the city council must work with the security cluster.
Zimbabwe Republic Police must have permanent staff at Epping Forest and Rochester Aquifer to protect the area from acts of vandalism.
Instead of getting 20 megalitres from Epping Forest, we are only getting 3ML/day, which is an issue of grave concern.
They are stealing the oil and the copper. The city council working with ZINWA must have permanent security personnel stationed at all those transformers because we are now jeopardising the lives of over 60 000 people in the city’s western suburbs.
</blockquote>
Moyo said the government was hopeful that the amendment of a law that will ensure electricity vandals get a mandatory 30-year jail term will be a deterrent and reduce the copper theft cases. | <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/security-personnel-deployed-at-water-installations/">Chronicle</a>

Security Personnel To Guard Electricity Infrastructure - Minister Moyo

Former Finance minister <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Tendai_Biti">Tendai Biti</a> has accused <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Kenneth_Sharpe">Kenneth ‘Ken’ Sharpe</a>‘s business partner, Tatiana Aleshina, of abusing state institutions, including the Office of the President and judiciary, to protect her business interests and fight opponents.
Biti made the claims on Friday at the Harare magistrates’ courts where he wants his case of verbally assaulting the businesswoman Tatiana Aleshina referred to the Constitutional Court, according to <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/news/article/200004551/biti-accuses-businesswoman-of-abusing-state-institutions">NewsDay</a>.
Biti, who is also the opposition Citizen Coalition for Change deputy leader, said:
<blockquote>
In 2019 Van Blerk was prosecuted.
Sharpe and Sheremet were fugitives during the time. One of the prosecutors was Mr Michael Reza (acting deputy prosecutor general) and the matter was withdrawn due to the influence of Tatiana Aleshina.
It’s sad that the first issue I have is the clear blatant abuse of the Office of the President, the highest office in the land and this name calling is an abuse to the state institutions. How on earth is someone safe? That’s why my application is important.
These are judicial proceedings. Why are we politicising these proceedings? That’s a clear abuse of state institutions.
Only the National Prosecuting Authority has the power to withdraw any matters, not the Local Government ministry.
We are lucky that we have black-and-white evidence about the judicial and executive interference by the complainant.
</blockquote>
Biti also said comments made by former Finance Minister <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Patrick_Chinamasa">Patrick Chinamasa</a> and Information ministry permanent secretary <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Nick_Mangwana">Nick Mangwana</a> following his arrest showed that Aleshina wielded a lot of influence in top offices.
<h2>Some context:</h2>
Aleshina accused Biti of verbally assaulting her after a court appearance two years ago.
Biti said letters from Aleshina that form court records in a series of cases against Sharpe have exposed her links with the executive as well as her influence over the judiciary.
He also said Aleshina used her influence over the Office of the President and judiciary to <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2022/09/06/fraudulent-deed-settlement-which-grants-immunity-to-land-developer-kenneth-sharpe-challenged-in-court/">secure a deed of settlement</a> signed between Sharpe’s company, Augur Investments and Local Government minister July Moyo in 2019 that<a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2022/10/13/biti-says-ken-sharpe-is-part-of-the-greatest-land-heist-in-independent-zimbabwe/"> legalised the takeover of vast pieces of land</a> in Harare.
Biti said the deed of the settlement also granted criminal immunity to Sharpe, Aleshina and their associates, Michael Van Blerk, and Alexander Sheremet, among others.
He said due to Aleshina’s influence, the Harare City Council was forced to withdraw criminal charges against Van Blerk.
Biti requested that the matter be referred to the Constitutional Court.
Magistrate Vongai Muchuchuti-Guwuriro postponed the case to December 15.
<h2><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

Biti Accuses Ken Sharpe's Business Partner Tatiana Aleshina Of Abusing State Institutions Including OPC

Local Government and Public Works Minister July Moyo has appointed a four-member tribunal to probe the allegations of misconduct against six suspended Chitungwiza Municipality CCC councillors.
Moyo said Chitungwiza Municipality would bear the costs of the inquiry.
The councillors are former mayor Lovemore Maiko, former deputy mayor Musa Makweza, CCC chief whip Richard Chamutsa, Peter Matiringe, Kudakwashe John and Chengetai Nyagondo.
The six were suspended on 10 October after they convened an “illegal” meeting on 07 October where Maiko was reinstated as mayor.
Chitungwiza had been without a mayor since March this year when Maiko was recalled by the Douglas Mwonzora-led MDC-T.
Efforts to hold elections to replace Maiko failed to take place since March after Harare Provincial Affairs and Devolution secretary Tafadzwa Muguti, acting mayor Kiven Mutimbanyoka and more recently a ZANU PF councillor Reginald Mashingaidze approached the High Court to block the move.
The councillors, however, went ahead and re-elected Maiko on 7 October leading to their arrest for convening an illegal council meeting.
Minister Moyo said a tribunal to investigate the CCC councillors would be chaired by Advocate Rachael Chibaya. Wrote Moyo:
<blockquote>
Pursuant to the suspension, in terms of Section 114A of the Local Government Laws Amendment of 2016, I hereby appoint you as member of a tribunal to look into allegations of misconduct levelled against the councillors.
</blockquote>
The other members of the tribunal are Local Government Board member Hamandishe Chinyengetere, Ministry of Local Government’s principal administrative officer Leonard Gopoza, corporate lawyer Hilda Ndawana and the Public Service Commission’s Commissioner Ozious Hove. | <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/thestandard/news/article/200003853/moyo-probes-chitungwiza-councillors">The Standard</a>

July Moyo Probes Chitungwiza CCC Councillors

The government will continue paying the balance for the Pomona waste-to-energy deal despite Harare City Council (HCC) having cancelled the agreement worth over US$700 million, <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/pomona-saga-rages-treasury-to-continue-paying-geogenix-despite-harare-city-council-cancelling-us700-million-project/">NewZimbabwe.com</a> reported citing Local Government Minister, July Moyo.
The minister confirmed in Parliament last Wednesday in response to questions by opposition Members of Parliament.
He said that anything that would be abrogated was to be taken over by the government and it had done so.
Harare City cancelled the agreement with Geogenix and the negotiated arrangement after a public outcry and failure to raise the required funds for the waste-to-energy management project.
Council reported the initiative would consume US$22 000 a day. 
Responding to questions from CCC MPs, Moyo said:
<blockquote>
Government is paying so that Pomona can be fixed and it is being fixed. It is enjoined to make sure that the project does not default and will take the risk of that default…
When we have a government guarantee over any entity in the country and if there is a potential default, Treasury is the one which undertakes to take over the payment and it is paying.
</blockquote>
Asked why the government was still guaranteeing a project that no longer existed, Moyo said the deal was not properly cancelled. He said:
<blockquote>
We did not want to be in default and, therefore, we have gone ahead to make sure that we protect the integrity of the country in terms of investments and in terms of doing a job, which we know we have to do and that is why we are going ahead with that project.
</blockquote>
Moyo also dismissed claims by Harare East MP, Rusty Markham that devolution funds were being used to guarantee a project in perpetuity.
Harare East MP, Tendai Biti suggested that Moyo was violating the Constitution which in Section 264 says local authorities are run by elected people and not the Honourable Minister. He asked:
<blockquote>
What is the Honourable Minister’s take on this corrupt agreement?
</blockquote>
Moyo said the central government has the responsibility over lower-tier authorities throughout the country, “not just Harare.“
The Pomona dumpsite waste-to-energy project is expected to generate up to 22MW of electricity and create at least 300 jobs. 
The US$344 million deal requires Harare to pay US$22 000 per day to Geogenix BV, an amount CCC councillors are saying is too high for a council that has been failing to provide required public goods and services due to a lack of adequate resources.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

Govt Says It Will Continue Paying Geogenix BV Despite Cancellation Of Pomona Deal

Defence minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri and Home Affairs colleague Kazembe Kazembe lamented the dire state of affairs in the security services.
Muchinguri-Kashiri said the poor budgetary support for the ministry had resulted in soldiers being the subject of public ridicule and insults, according to <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/govt-funding-crisis-soldiers-fed-sadza-and-beans-publicly-ridiculed-says-defence-minister-police-situation-desperate-warns-home-affairs-colleague/">NewZimbabwe</a>.
Speaking during the ongoing Parliamentary consultations for the 2023 national budget held in Harare at the weekend, Muchinguri-Kashiri said:
<blockquote>
Soldiers do not have adequate accommodation; they need to be in barracks.
They are given all sorts of names, they use public transport, they are insulted on a daily basis and whilst on duty, they sometimes go without food.
On the food items they are supposed to be getting 53 items but this has been reduced to five items only. Soldiers were going for Sadza and beans without cooking oil daily.
</blockquote>
Home Affairs minister Kazembe Kazembe said the situation was equally bad for the country’s police service. He said:
<blockquote>
The police force situation is very desperate.
You should actually be thanking the police that we still have sanity and tranquillity in our country because of the situation these men and women are going through.
</blockquote>
ZANU PF’s Buhera South legislator Joseph Chinotimba warned the ministers to remember that their security was provided by these disgruntled officers, adding that the situation was a national security threat.
<blockquote>
You are all being guarded by these security forces.
A soldier is the last person to defend the country. Let us be serious. You cannot feed a soldier with beans. Kuhondo taiti Gandanga haridye derere mukoma! Vapeyi mari kubva nhasi!
</blockquote>
Parliament’s Defence Committee Chairperson Levi Mayihlome (ZANU PF) added that there is gross disgruntlement over police transport allowances.
Independent Norton legislator, Temba Mliswa questioned the prioritisation of scarce resources pointing out that while critical services were underfunded, the government still managed to find the money for ministers’ vehicles and housing loans.
He claimed ministers had two government issue luxury vehicles, adding they were also given housing loans of US$500 000 each.
Speaker Jacob Mudenda challenged Parliamentary committees and government departments to come up with domestic resource mobilisation strategies to help alleviate poverty across the country.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h2>

Ministers Lament The Dire State Of Affairs In The Security Services

Residents associations under the banner of the Residents’ Association Coalition for Electoral Reforms (RACER) delivered a petition to Parliament demanding many things including powers to recall representatives.
The residents are also requesting, “the Minister (of Local Government) to come and explain measures taken to empower communities to have the capacity to demand quality services from elected councillors” as provided in the devolution and decentralisation policy of 2020. RACER said:
<blockquote>
Enact enabling legislation which will operationalize section 129(k) read together with Section 278 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe with provisions which allow residents to participate in the recall process where political parties initiate the recall and residents endorse the recall.
</blockquote>
The organisation added that the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) should also table and share the costs of by-elections that emanated from the recalls between 2020 and 2022.
The massive recalls were instigated by the Douglas Mwonzora-led MDC-T.  
RACER’s petition comes at a time when Mwonzora and MDC-T have recently recalled 6 councillors in Binga Rural District Council and 3 councillors in Gweru City Council.
These are only the latest in a long list of recalled councillors that now exceeds 100.
The recalls have led to repeated by-elections in various local authorities and have seriously undermined service delivery.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h2>

Residents Petition Parliament Demanding Powers To Recall Underperforming Representatives

The Parliament of Zimbabwe is set to summon Local Government and Public Works Minister, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/July_Moyo">July Moyo</a>, over the use and management of Devolution funds.
Parliament intends to understand the conduct and manner in which Devolution funds are being allocated, disbursed and spent.
This comes after the <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Combined_Harare_Residents_Association_(CHRA)">Combined Harare Residents Association (CHRA)</a> petitioned Parliament over the issue.
On 10 August 2022 CHRA wrote to the Parliament alleging that Devolution funds were being used without supporting legislation and in violation of the principles of devolution provided in Section 264 of the Zimbabwean Constitution.
Key examples of unconstitutional actions that were raised in the petition include;
1) The Local Government Minister’s directive for the City of Harare to use “devolution funds” to <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/mliswa-writes-to-netherlands-embassy-over-harare-tender-scandal-involving-july-moyo/">purchase water pumps</a> from P<a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/morton-jaffray-zacc-investigates-minister-moyos-alleged-us9-million-tender-scandal/">etrichor Irrigation at a cost of USD$9.3 million without going to tender.</a>
2) The Local Government Minister’s directive to the City of Harare through a circular dated 14 June 2022 instructing the Local Authority to <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/local-government-minister-directs-councils-to-buy-fire-trucks-from-belarus/">purchase fire tenders costing USD$464 000 each from a Belarus</a> company using “devolution funds”, without going to tender and without consulting residents and the Local Authority.
To that note, CHRA beseeched Parliament to:
i. Summon the Minister of Local Government to appear before Parliament and explain the Constitutionality of its actions.
ii. Summon the Minister of Local Government to appear before Parliament and share the revenue allocation formulae used to allocate and disburse “devolution funds” to Local Authorities and an update of “devolution funds” disbursed to the City of Harare.
iii. Summon the Minister of Local Government to bring Bills that will guide devolution implementation as provided by the Constitution so that Parliament behind can enact enabling legislation (Act of Parliament), which guides the allocation of “devolution funds” and devolution implementation.
iv. Summon the City of Harare to appear before Parliament and share on the performance of “devolution funds” allocated to it for the periods January to December 2021 and January to June 2022 by the Minister of Local Government.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h2>

Parliament To Summon Local Govt Minister Moyo Over Use, Management Of Devolution Funds

The Minister of Local Government and Public Works, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/July_Moyo">July Moyo</a>, has suspended six <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Chitungwiza">Chitungwiza</a> councillors including former mayor <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Lovemore_Maiko">Lovemore Maiko</a> for convening an illegal meeting last week.
The suspended councillors are members of the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) party led by <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Nelson_Chamisa">Nelson Chamisa</a>, a former minister of ICT, Postal and Courier Services during the <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Government_of_National_Unity">Government of National Unity (GNU)</a>.
The Herald reports that during the alleged illegal meeting, Maiko was illegally re-elected mayor despite a pending court case.
Other councillors suspended are:
<blockquote>
i). Musa Makweza ward (19) – Former deputy mayor, 
ii). Kudakwashe Johns (ward 21), 
iii). Chengetai Nyagondo (ward 14), 
iv). Richard Chamutsa (ward 5) and 
v). Peter Matiringe (ward 10).
</blockquote>
According to the suspension letters, minister Moyo said there were reasonable grounds for suspecting that the councillors committed acts of gross misconduct, gross incompetence and wilful violation of the law.
Minister Moyo said the suspensions were in line with Section 114 (2) of the Urban Councils Act (Chapter 29:15) as amended by the Local Government Laws Amendment Act number 8 of 2016.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h2>

Local Government Minister Moyo Suspends 6 CCC Councillors In Chitungwiza

The central government has directed Harare City Council (HCC) to reverse its <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/harare-city-council-suspends-us344-million-pomona-deal/">decision to terminate</a> the US$344 million <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Pomona_Dump_deal">Pomona Waste to Energy Project</a>.
HCC rejected the deal which it said was:
<blockquote>
1). Superimposed by the Central Government through the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works.
2). Has a negative impact on the council and ratepayers in particular.
</blockquote>
According to the Harare-Geogenix BV agreement, Harare should pay US$40 per tonne of garbage for the estimated 550 tonnes per day delivery or a damage fee of US$3.5 million.
Harare does not have the capacity to deliver 550 tonnes of garbage per day and is expected to fail.
Documents seen by <a href="https://www.zbcnews.co.zw/govt-urges-harare-city-council-to-rescind-decision-on-pomona/">ZBC News</a> indicate that a council meeting held on August 3 resolved to among other things exercise the termination clause in its contract with Geo Pomona Waste Management (Pvt) Limited and mandated the Acting Chamber Secretary to proceed with the necessary action.
However, in a letter dated 27 August 2022, the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works directed the council in terms of Section 314 of the Urban Councils Act (Chapter 29:15) to revisit its position, considering that the project was granted the national project status.
Local Government and Public Works Minister, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/July_Moyo">July Moyo</a> stated that the council’s decision is not in the interests of Harare residents, and as such, the government was not going to accept such an action.
The Minister says the local government authority’s decision will erode investor confidence.
The Pomona Waste to Energy Project was approved in May this year, with a German investor, Geogenix BV (fronted by <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Dilesh_Nguwaya">Dylish Nguwaya</a>) investing 304 million Euros, with up to 22MW of electricity expected to be generated by the project.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h2>

Govt Directs Harare To Reverse Its Decision To Terminate The Pomona Waste Project Deal

Norton MP, Temba Mliswa (Independent), has blamed the Minister of Local Government and Public Works, July Moyo, for Harare’s current water challenges.
Wate taps ran dry in Harare for more than two days last week. While the precious liquid is now available in some suburbs, the water supply is erratic.
The Harare City Council attributed the water crisis to a lack of water treatment chemicals at the Morton Jaffray and Prince Edward water works.
Posting on Twitter, Mliswa accused Moyo of holding onto nearly $2 billion in devolution funds allocated to Harare by Treasury while the city fails to buy water treatment chemicals. Said Mliswa:
<blockquote>
It is saddening to notice that the Local Government minister can watch the waterworks of our country’s capital completely shut down without showing much concern.
Here is a minister who is clinging on to devolution funds, and in the process, incapacitating Harare City’s crucial services like water treatment thereby exposing millions of residents to diseases.
This is the same man who corruptly pushed for the purchase and installation of water pumps. The big question is, what is the purpose of water pumps when you don’t have water?
A government of the people cannot afford to stand and watch while July is running riot exposing millions of people to diseases. This madness needs to be stopped.
</blockquote>
Millions of Harare residents were forced to rely on unsafe water sources following the closure of the water treatment plants.
More: <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/mliswa-blasts-july-moyo-for-harares-worsening-water-problems/">NewZimbabwe.com</a>

Mliswa Blames July Moyo For Harare's Water Crisis

Bulawayo councillors have unanimously rejected the order by Local Government and Public Works Minister July Moyo to use devolution funds to acquire fire rucks from Belarus, according to <a href="https://dailynews.co.zw/bulawayo-councillors-defy-minister/">Daily News</a>.
Moyo had, in a <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/local-government-minister-directs-councils-to-buy-fire-trucks-from-belarus/">circular issued in June</a>, Local Government and Public Works Minister July Moyo <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/local-government-minister-directs-councils-to-buy-fire-trucks-from-belarus/">directed local government authorities to purchase fire trucks from Belarus</a>. 
The circular seen by Pindula News, told all town clerks, secretaries and chief executive officers that the government of Zimbabwe made a deal with the government of Belarus. 
<h2>Reads in part the circular dated 14 June 2022 :</h2>
<blockquote>
In a bid to alleviate capital equipment shortages in Local Authorities, the Government of Zimbabwe will procure fire tenders from Belarus on a Government to Government agreement. Each Rural Local Authority will get one fire tender. Urban Local Authorities will get two and a Metropolitan Local Authority will get three fire tenders. The funds to procure the equipment will be deducted from the 2022 Devolution Allocations and will be done over a period of twelve months starting March 2022. The cost of each fire tender is USD 464 296. It is therefore advisable for Local Authorities to reprioritise the Devolution Funds to accommodate the cost of the fire tenders.
</blockquote>
Government critics rejected the deal saying “poor councils” that were failing to provide required public goods and services, shouldn’t be prioritising fire trucks. 
Even some ZANU PF Members of Parliament <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/zanu-pf-mps-join-in-questioning-the-zimbabwe-belarus-firetrucks-deal/">questioned the deal.</a>
ZimLive.com reported earlier that President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s associate, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Alexander_Zingman">Alyaksandr (Alexander) Zingman</a> is the <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2022/06/21/ultimate-beneficiary-of-firetrucks-deal-is-president-mnangagwas-associate-alyaksandr-zingman-report/">ultimate beneficiary of the deal</a> that will consume a total of about US$55 million of the councils’ devolution funds.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h2>

Bulawayo Councillors Unanimously Reject Minister Moyo's Belarus Fire Trucks Directive

The <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Zimbabwe_Anti-Corruption_Commission">Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC)</a> is reportedly investigating several local government authorities for possible abuse of devolution funds.
Local government authorities are supposed to get “Not less than 5% of national revenue raised in any financial year” according to Section 301(3) of the Constitution.
ZACC spokesperson <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/John_Makamure">John Makamure</a> said there was an ongoing operation targeting local authorities over mismanagement of funds. He told NewsDay Zimbabwe:
<blockquote>
There is an ongoing operation, which we call ‘review and compliance of proper procedures’ in local councils and other departments.
</blockquote>
ZACC has conducted six compliance checks on local authorities’ procurement processes and on how devolution funds have been used.
The local authorities include Mutoko Rural District Council, Norton Town Council, Umzingwane RDC and Umguza RDC.
Six councillors in Umguza have been suspended for trying to frustrate the ZACC probe. The commission said investigations into the matter have been completed while a report will be made to the public.
Meanwhile, calls are increasing for ZACC to investigate Local Government and Public Works Minister, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/July_Moyo">July Moyo</a>, who has been in the spotlight recently over an unclear <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/zanu-pf-mps-join-in-questioning-the-zimbabwe-belarus-firetrucks-deal/">firetrucks deal with Belarus</a> which Moyo said was a “government-to-government” agreement. 
It could cost the councils over US$32 million with each truck being sold at US$464 296 each. 
He is also been criticised for “superimposing” a US$340 million Pomona waste-to-energy deal between Geogenix BV and Harare amid allegations that he is set to<a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/norton-mp-claims-minister-july-moyo-got-10-commission-on-pomona-waste-energy-deal/"> get a 10 per cent commission</a> from it.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h2>

ZACC Investigates Councils Over Possible Abuse Of Devolution Funds

A local firm, Zimbabwe Innovative Technologies (ZIMIT), has appealed to President Emmerson Mnangagwa for intervention after Local Government and Public Works minister July Moyo overturned a US$17.4 million tender for a water audit.
There have been numerous reports involving Moyo’s imperial powers in councils as he has made unilateral decisions to impose contractors or cancel tenders.
The Independent reports that ZIMIT was awarded the multi-million-dollar tender by the United Councils Association of Zimbabwe (UCAZ) in September 2021. It was supposed to be implemented from devolution funds.
ZIMIT has since written to Mnangagwa asking for his intervention. 
A source close to the developments told the Independent that the President is yet to respond. Said the source:
<blockquote>
Unfortunately, upon winning the tender, the company bought the equipment needed to carry out the project. But they have not started working. The audit is important in ensuring local authorities make informed decisions.
</blockquote>
Sources said ZIMIT used US$5.5 million “procuring 10 mobile laboratories and equipment which include leak detectors, measuring devices and software” which the company intended to use for the implementation of the nationwide water audit.
The local Government and Public Works ministry told the Independent that ZIMIT had been told that the central government had considered engaging a government department. Said the ministry
<blockquote>
UCAZ spearheaded a process to engage a consultant to undertake a water audit in all the 32 urban local authorities. Councils then agreed to use Chegutu Municipality as the contracting authority, leading to the engagement of ZIMIT. The matter was, however, brought to the attention of the ministry before ZIMIT could sign a contract with Chegutu Municipality, and the latter was advised to immediately retract from the matter.
ZIMIT wrote to the ministry expressing its desire to proceed with the assignment. They were, however, advised that the ministry had considered the nature of the exercise and felt it was supposed to be led by government.
As indeed stated in the letter to ZIMIT, the minister can give direction to a local authority on policy matters that it considers to be in the national interest (section 313 of the Urban Councils Act [Chapter 29: 15] is relevant).
</blockquote>
The ministry also stated that section 42 (f) of the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Act [Chapter 22: 23] allows the cancellation of a procurement process if it is in the public interest. 
The audit exercise is meant to address Zimbabwe’s longstanding water challenges characterised by poor infrastructure, contamination, non-revenue water sitting at 60%, distribution networks and treatment technologies.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h2>

President Mnangagwa Petitioned Over Cancellation Of Water Audit Tender

The Combined Harare Residents Association (CHRA) has given the Local Government and Public Works Minister, July Moyo a 48-hour ultimatum to withdraw his directive to Harare City Council (HCC) with regards to the Pomona Waste-to-energy deal.
In his letter written on the 7th of July 2022, Moyo directed HCC to rescind resolutions which seek to suspend the <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/harare-geogenix-bv-issue-joint-statement-on-pomona-waste-to-power-project/">contract between</a> the local government authority and Geogenix B.V on Pomona Waste to Energy project. 
Through its lawyer, Archford Rutanhira, CHRA wrote a letter on 18 July 2022 and directed it to Moyoaccusing him of interfering with the council’s resolutions on the Pomona deal. 
The letter, seen by Pindula News, wants the Minister to withdraw the directive, threatening to take him to court if he fails to do so. Reads part of the letter:
<blockquote>
Your behaviour is especially regrettable in a country, which is founded on the principles of; the supremacy of the constitution; the rule of law; transparency, justice, accountability and responsiveness. The constitution calls upon the State and all institutions and agencies of government at every level to, in formulating and implementing laws and policy decisions, come up with policies that will lead to the establishment, enhancement and promotion of a sustainable, just, free and democratic society in which people enjoy prosperous happy and fulfilling lives. Your behaviour in the Pomona Waste to Energy deal would certainly be found wanting, in so many ways and at so many levels.
We are instructed to call upon you, as we hereby do, to cease and desist from interfering with the operations of the city of Harare and in that regard for you to withdraw your letter of the 7th of July 2022 within 48 hours of receipt of this letter. Failure to do so will result in our client approaching the honorable courts for relief.
</blockquote>
CHRA reiterated that the principles and dictates of Devolution must be followed and any law or practice inconsistent with it is invalid.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h2>

Pomona Deal: Harare Residents Give Local Govt Minister 48-hour Ultimatum To Withdraw Directive

Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume has reiterated that Harare City Council (HCC) wanted its Pomona dumpsite back instead of lending it to Geogenix BV for 30 years.
Geogenix BV is a Netherlands-based investor identified by the local government ministry to construct a 22MW power plant at the site.
It was given its full ownership at the commencement of the <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/harare-geogenix-bv-issue-joint-statement-on-pomona-waste-to-power-project/">US$344 million Waste-Energy deal</a> three months ago. 
Local Government and Public Works minister <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/July_Moyo">July Moyo</a> was identified as the man behind the multi-million-dollar deal, which is being fronted by <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Dilesh_Nguwaya">Dilesh Nguwaya</a> who is said to have close links with President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s family.
Norton legislator, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Temba_Mliswa">Temba Mliswa</a>, recently claimed that <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/norton-mp-claims-minister-july-moyo-got-10-commission-on-pomona-waste-energy-deal/">July Moyo got 10 per cent from the deal</a>.
Addressing reporters at Town House this Wednesday, Mafume said individuals championing the deal will be dead after the 30 years it is supposed to run. He <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/we-stand-by-our-resolutions-not-to-pay-geogenix-bv-for-pomona-waste-mayor-mafume/">reiterated the remarks he made yesterday</a>:
<blockquote>
We have not climbed down on the Pomona deal, we want our dumpsite back,” said Mafume.
We do not have the money even if we were to pay, we will not allow council funds to be utilised for a purpose that is not with the residents, nor will we allow devolution funds to be used for a priority that is not determined by the council.
I want to assure residents and I want to make it clear that they are not paying (the debt) with council funds, and they are not paying with devolution funds. We do not agree to this contract, and we want the dumpsite back for the residents.
There is currently nothing at the site, besides an eight-roomed cottage and a jojo tank. There is no investment yet and we are expected to pay such large amounts of money.
This dumpsite was bought by the people of Harare in 1985, thereabouts. Where have you ever heard of a landlord paying for his own land.
</blockquote>
Harare city council will be looking at an over US$2 million bill by end of this month after failing to settle the US$780 000 and US$1 million being demanded in previous months.
The agreement compels the local government authority to pay a daily US$22 000 bill whether it dumps waste or not. The figure will be doubled after 12 months.
Mafume said Harare prioritised its devolution funds for the purchase of ambulances, not Pomona adding that they “will exhaust all legal routes to reverse” the deal.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h2>

Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume Reiterates Harare Wants Its Pomona Dumpsite Back

Harare Mayor, Jacob Mafume has said Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) councillors are maintaining that the local government authority won’t pay the money it owes to Geogix BV as per the Pomona Waste to energy deal.
The deal was signed between Harare City Council and Geogenix BV, a Netherlands company fronted in Zimbabwe by <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Dilesh_Nguwaya">Dilesh Nguwaya</a> who is said to have close links with the first family.
Mafume dismissed as false, the reports by <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/ccc-in-pomona-deal-climbdown/">The Herald</a> that the councillors had retreated from their stance and eventually endorsed “the deal yesterday.”
CCC councillors have for weeks now been pushing for the reversal of the agreement with the Netherlands-based firm, Geogenix, which they say Local Government and Public Works Minister, July Moyo imposed on the local government authority.
<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Norton">Norton</a> MP (independent), <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Temba_Mliswa">Temba Mliswa</a>, claims, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/July_Moyo">July Moyo</a>, collected <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/norton-mp-claims-minister-july-moyo-got-10-commission-on-pomona-waste-energy-deal/">a 10% commission on the Pomona Waste to Energy Deal</a> for his role.
<a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/ccc-in-pomona-deal-climbdown/">The Herald</a> published an article this Tuesday suggesting that CCC councillors had decided not to continue fighting. <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/ccc-in-pomona-deal-climbdown/">Reads part of the article:</a>
<blockquote>
THE opposition CCC-led Harare City Council yesterday made a volte-face on the €304 million Pomona Waste to Energy deal after weeks of politicking trying to reverse an agreement they had earlier sanctioned with the Netherlands-based firm, Geogenix.
The council proposed to fund the Pomona deal, which has national project status, with Devolution Funds.
Harare City Council officials carried out due diligence on the project after being treated to more than 10 days’ stay at a luxurious hotel in the exquisite City of Legnano, Italy, where they travelled to last year.
The councillors had a torrid time endorsing the deal yesterday as they spent more than three hours in caucus before a special council meeting which was scheduled to start at 11 am but began three hours later.
Chairing the meeting, Mayor Jacob Mafume <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/minister-directs-hcc-to-immediately-rescind-resolutions-seeking-to-suspend-pomona-waste-project/">read a letter</a> from Local Government and Public Works Minister July Moyo <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/minister-directs-hcc-to-immediately-rescind-resolutions-seeking-to-suspend-pomona-waste-project/">rescinding the city’s resolutions to suspend its contract</a> with Geogenix BV on the Pomona Waste to Energy project.
</blockquote>
In response, Mafume said the article did not reflect what transpired. He said:
<blockquote>
This is false. We read the letter as we are required by law to do. We stand by our resolutions not to pay this amount. We will not be part of this contrary to public morals contract.
</blockquote>
The Pomona dumpsite waste-to-energy project is expected to generate up to 22MW of electricity and create at least 300 jobs. 
The US$344 million deal requires Harare to pay US$22 000 per day to Geogenix BV, an amount CC councillors are saying is too high for a council that has been failing to provide required public goods and services due to a lack of adequate resources.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h2>

We Stand By Our Resolutions Not To Pay Geogenix BV For Pomona Waste - Mayor Mafume

ZANU PF members of Parliament (MPs) have joined opposition legislators in questioning the rationale of the <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/local-government-minister-directs-councils-to-buy-fire-trucks-from-belarus/">firetrucks deal signed between Zimbabwe and Belarus</a> which requires local authorities to import the vehicles. Each truck is priced at US$464 296.
The deal was strongly castigated by the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) which said Local Government and Public Works Minister, July Moyo had imposed the deal on local government authorities. 
The unclear arrangement, which <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/July_Moyo">July Moyo</a> said was a “government-to-government” agreement, could cost the councils over US$32 million with each truck being sold at US$464 296 each. 
Meanwhile, there are reports that President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s associate, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Alexander_Zingman">Alyaksandr (Alexander) Zingman</a> is the ultimate beneficiary of the <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/local-government-minister-directs-councils-to-buy-fire-trucks-from-belarus/">deal.</a>
This Thursday, ZANU PF MPs also expressed reservations over the deal. 
ZANU PF MP Rushinga Tendai Nyabani asked the Minister if all local authorities had requested that there be fire extinguisher tenders considering that they were not a priority for some. Nyabani said:
<blockquote>
If you look at other local authorities, especially in rural areas, what is important for them are riggers. In rural areas, for example in Rushinga, fire outbreak can happen after a long time, like two years.
What is important is water. So does it mean that all our local authorities really want fire tenders?  If possible we can ask them as to how important these are to them?
</blockquote>
ZANU PF’s Chipinge South MP Enock Porusingazi shared the same sentiments. He asked Local Government and Public Works Deputy Minister Marian Chombo:
<blockquote>
My question to the Hon Minister is that the fire tenders she is talking about – are they all the same like a one-size-fits-all approach or you have considered the different needs of the councils?
For example Chipinge Rural District Council, can it take a fire tender which is similar to Harare and Bulawayo? Did you also look at the capacity for making the repayments? From the resources that they have in Chipinge, can they match the capacity to pay back compared to Harare?
Why did you not consider the different sizes of the towns, a small town getting a smaller vehicle? There is no need to have a fire tender with an 80- metre boom in some of these small towns which have no high rise buildings.
</blockquote>
CCC’s Harare North MP Rusty Markham demanded evidence that councils asked for the fire tenders.
Chombo’s responses failed to impress the parliamentarians who demanded that her boss July Moyo should instead come and defend the deal. 
These questions being asked suggest that <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/parliament-is-not-aware-of-govt-belarus-firetrucks-tender-lawyers/">Parliament was not aware of the deal</a> and, therefore, begs the question, “how did the minister strike the deal?”
The debate is expected to continue next week.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h2>

ZANU PF MPs Join In Questioning The Zimbabwe-Belarus Firetrucks Deal

<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Norton">Norton</a> MP (independent), <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Temba_Mliswa">Temba Mliswa</a>, has claimed that Local Government and Public Works Minister, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/July_Moyo">July Moyo</a>, collected a 10% commission on the Pomona Waste to Energy deal.
The US$344 million which requires Harare to pay US$22 000 per day was signed between Harare City Council and Geogenix BV, a Netherlands company fronted in Zimbabwe by <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Dilesh_Nguwaya">Dilesh Nguwaya</a> who is said to have close links with the first family.
Debating in Parliament during Wednesday’s question and answer session, Mliswa labelled Moyo <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/minister-directs-hcc-to-immediately-rescind-resolutions-seeking-to-suspend-pomona-waste-project/">a ‘debt collector’,</a> alleging the minister was dodging Parliament to explain the deal, leaving deputy minister, Marian Chombo, to cover up for him. Mliswa said:
<blockquote>
Hon. July Moyo is not here to respond but is busy writing letters to the local authorities so that money comes out. His job now is to write letters wanting money. How can a minister be a debt collector? He is not here to answer issues of all the deals that he is doing.
The Government is a lawyer, the Attorney-General and the Minister is a lawyer. Why is it the lawyer is writing a letter? To us, they are bent on reducing and denigrating His Excellency’s name and they must be brought to book once and for all.
I will not waste much of your time but I have gotten the point home, especially Hon. July Moyo. Where is he? He is seen writing letters left, right and centre wanting a 10% commission. He has been paid.
Ndozvinonetsa kana wadya mari dzevanhu. Haurari usiku nekuti unenge uchingonyora matsamba uchirotomoka. He must come and answer on why he is writing letters when he is not a debt collector.
</blockquote>
Moyo has been in a war with the opposition <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Citizens%27_Coalition_for_Change">Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC)</a> with the party’s councillors rejecting the deal which they say the <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/minister-directs-hcc-to-immediately-rescind-resolutions-seeking-to-suspend-pomona-waste-project/">central government imposed</a> on the local government authority.
They also argue that at a rate of US$22 000 per day and the amount of waste required, the deal was designed to fail which can lead to the termination of the deal prematurely, something that won’t deter Geogenix BV from being paid all its money agreed in the deal. 
<h2>Pindula News</h2>

Norton MP Claims Minister July Moyo Got 10% Commission On Pomona Waste Energy Deal

The Minister of Local Government and Public Works, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/July_Moyo">July Moyo</a> has directed Harare City Council (HCC) to rescind resolutions which seek to suspend the contract between the local government authority and Geogenix B.V on Pomona Waste to Energy project. HCC councillors have said the deal is bad and was imposed on the local government authority by the central government. In a statement seen by Pindula News, Moyo said the accumulation of arrears by Harare was a direct result of the city fathers’ neglect of the contract. Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
His Worship the Mayor 
City of Harare
<h2>DIRECTIVE IN TERMS OF SECTION 314 OF THE URBAN COUNCILS ACT (CHAPTER 29: 16) FOR COUNCIL TO RESCIND RESOLUTIONS MADE BY IT ON ON 2 JUNE 2022</h2>
The minutes of the meeting held by your Council on 2 June 2022 refer.
I have noted a number of resolutions were made in that meeting, the most notable being:
1. That Council appoints a Special Committee in terms of Section 100 of the Urban Councils Act (Chapter 29:16) to investigate the Pomona Waste to Energy Project and report to Council in two (2) weeks time. </blockquote>
<blockquote>2. That Council mandates His Worship, the Mayor to nominate members of the Special Committee who will include specialists from outside Council. </blockquote>
<blockquote>3. That Council hereby approves the following as terms of references for the Special Committee. </blockquote>
<blockquote>4. That the contract between the City of Harare and Geogenix B.V on the Pomona Waste to Energy Project be suspended with immediate effect.
Pursuant to the passing of the resolutions, your Council, through the office of the Town Clerk advised the Ministry, through a letter dated 10 June 2022, that they were unable to pay the sum invoiced for the month of May.
In terms of your contract, the passing of a resolution does not in any way expunge the obligations set out in the contract by operation of law. The obligations remain pending unless and until a consensus is reached by the contracting parties. 
Needless to say, the failure and or neglect to pay the May Invoice has serious repercussions, not only with respect to Council’s obligations, but also on Government who is the Guarantor of the project. Your failure and or neglect to pay has resulted in accumulation of arrears including interest due to the project. In my considered view, the above-mentioned resolutions were gratuitous and not in the interests of the inhabitants of Harare and the public at large, a burden which is now cascading to the inhabitants and therefore cannot be allowed.
In any case, in our reading of your contract with Geogenix B.V there is no provision for unilateral action by either Party to suspend the same.
I accordingly direct, in terms of section 314 (1) of the Urban Councils Act [Chapter 29:15], that Council immediately rescinds the resolutions cited above which seek to suspend the contract between the City of Harare and Geogenix B.V on the Pomona Waste to Energy project.
Ho J. G. Moyo
Minister of Local Government and Public Works
 CC: Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Hon. M. Ncube Attorney General, Adv. P. Machaya Minister of State for Provincial Affairs, Harare Metropolitan Province, Hon. 0. Chidawu Deputy Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Hon. M. Chombo Chief Secretary to the President and cabinet, Dr M. J. M. Sibanda Deputy Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Eng. A. Marawa Permanent Secretary, Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Z. Churu Secretary for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Harare Metropolitan, Mr. T. Muquti, The Acting Town Clerk, Harare City Council, Eng. P. Moyo Executive Chairman, Geogenix BV, Mr.D. Nguwaya 
</blockquote>
<h2>Pindula News</h2>

Minister Directs HCC To "Immediately Rescind Resolutions" Seeking To Suspend Pomona Waste Project

The Bulawayo City Council has rejected local government minister July Moyo’s plan to divert devolution funds to acquire fire tenders from Belarus.
In June, Moyo advised local authorities that they will receive fire tenders procured from the East European country in a “government-to-government” agreement.
In a letter to town clerks, secretaries and CEOs dated 20 June 2022, Moyo said each “rural local authority” would get one fire engine while “urban local authorities” would get two and “metropolitan local authorities” are in line to get three each.
It has, however, emerged that the fire tenders are hugely overpriced at US$464,296 each.
The City of Bulawayo says fire tenders are not a priority as it urgently needs refuse collection trucks.
Addressing a full council meeting on Wednesday, deputy mayor Mlandu Ncube said:
<blockquote>
Our fire tenders and ambulances are not bad and we still have fire tenders and ambulances.
Where we have a problem is vehicles for road maintenance, vehicles to attend to sewage bursts, grave digging and refuse collection. 
We were shocked to hear that some are directing that we have to purchase fire tenders.
As a city, we have a big problem with service delivery trucks and what will it help buying fire tenders when they won’t be able to traffic our roads due to their poor state?
Refuse will be all over the place making it hard for our fire trucks to travel to attend to fires.
The talk for us to buy three fire tenders must end on social media and not come here.
</blockquote>
Ncube, who is the Ward 1 Councillor, said residents said they want refuse to be collected on time, graders, tippers and water bowsers.
Edwin Ndlovu, a councillor in Makokoba, condemned Moyo for dictating how the city uses its devolution allocation. He said:
<blockquote>
The central government must not budget for us and spell out how we use our money. The move defeats the whole purpose of devolution.
If there is a need for fire tenders, it’s us as a council who must prioritise it and when a need arises for us to request government to assist us by sourcing cheap fire tenders it must be us as a council approaching the central government and not the other way round.
We don’t want another Pomona in Bulawayo. It’s we who must look for tenders and if what government is providing is the cheapest, then we will go for it provided it is our priority.
</blockquote>
Councillor Ernest Rafa Moyo said councillors recently toured the city’s fire brigade department and were satisfied with the condition of the fire tenders.
July Moyo recently directed Harare City Council not to pull out of a US$320 million waste-to-energy with a company registered in the Netherlands, but with no history of undertaking similar projects.
The company, Geogenix BV is owned by Klodian Mertiri, an Albanian businessman who allegedly has links to President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s twin son, Sean.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.zimlive.com/2022/07/bulawayo-councillors-reject-july-moyos-fire-tenders/">ZimLive</a></h4>

Bulawayo Councillors Reject July Moyo’s Fire Tenders

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