News Written By Simbarashe Garagada

https://www.zimcommunitynews.com/2022/09/13/i-am-stronger-sikhala-assures-deprived-zengeza-west-constituency/

*I am stronger: Sikhala assures deprived Zengeza West constituency*

*By ALBERT MASAKA/JOANAH DIMA/SIMBARASHE GARAGADA*

INCARCERATED Zengeza West Member of Parliament Job Sikhala, who has been detained for three months has disclosed that the continued denial of bail, which at law is a right, had failed to break him, but made him stronger.

Sikhala, who together with co-accused and fellow CCC legislator Godfrey Sithole, are facing charges of incitement to commit acts of violence, also appealed to church and community leaders to pray for him.
This follows an outcry by residents in his constituency who spoke to Dungwiza News over his continued detention.

The residents expressed their dismay over the lack of representation in the constituency which was stalling development projects.

Sikhala through his spokesperson Freddy Masarirevu vowed to continue representing defenseless people and complete all outstanding projects after his release.

He cited the case of Moreblessing Ali who was abducted outside a nightclub in Nyatsime on May 14 and her dismembered remains were discovered in a disused well at a farm in Beatrice.

The prime suspect in her murder, Pius Jamba was arrested following outcries from members of the public and Sikhala.

“Sikhala stands on behalf of his people and speaks for the voiceless, he feels the voices of his people have now been suppressed by his detention.

“He is, however, hopeful that sooner rather than later he will be back to continue where he left.”

Masarirevu added that Sikhala was a man of the people who loved his job and his constituency and was constantly enquiring about what was happening.

“He left a number of unfinished projects and he always tries to manage them from the walls of Chikurubi Prison.”

A resident, Anderson Hundudza said the continued denial of bail of their MP as persecution.

“Zengeza West is grounded,

I am stronger: Sikhala assures deprived Zengeza West constituency - Zim Community News 'Sikhala stands on behalf of his people and speaks for the voiceless, he feels the voices of his people have now been suppressed by his detention'

https://www.zimcommunitynews.com/2022/09/08/chitown-mp-meets-council-management-to-improve-service-delivery/

*Chitown MP meets council management to improve service delivery*

*By SIMBARASHE GARAGADA*

CHITUNGWIZA South legislator Maxwell Mavhunga yesterday lead a delegation of community stakeholders on a fact-finding meeting with council management at Seke South District offices.

Mavhunga posted today in the influential service delivery Whatsapp platform, the Chitown Service Delivery, that the purpose of the visit was to engage council officials seeking ways to improve service delivery in his constituency.

Yesterday we took time to visit and interact with Seke South management to appreciate and understand their challenges and how the office of the MP can compliment council efforts to deal with.

"I was impressed by the issues articulated and the serious desire by the management team to improve service delivery."

Chitown Service Delivery, is a citizen initiative launched more than four years ago that seeks to engage with relevant stakeholders that impact service delivery in Chitungwiza with the goal of improving service delivery.

Among the key stakeholders are council, Zesa, Chitungwiza Hospital officials, residents associations, journalists, businesspeople and church leaders among others.

Chitown MP meets council management to improve service delivery - Zim Community News By SIMBARASHE GARAGADA CHITUNGWIZA South legislator Maxwell Mavhunga yesterday lead a delegation of community stakeholders on a fact-finding meeting with

https://www.zimcommunitynews.com/2022/09/01/chitown-rolls-out-11-day-vaccination-blitz/

*Chitown rolls out 11-day vaccination blitz*

*By SIMBARASHE GARAGADA*

THE Chitungwiza municipality health department has rolled out an 11-day vaccination blitz against measles, rubella and Covid 19 targeting 64 000 people.

This comes at a time when an outbreak of measles in the country has claimed 157 lives so far.

Vaccination for measles and rubella have been inconsistent during the COVID 19 lockdown period.

Vaccination is taking place at all Chitungwiza City Health Department Clinics in Zengeza, St. Mary’s, Seke South and Seke North.

Thirteen outreach sites are stationed at random places.

Citimed Hospital, Chitungwiza Central Hospital, Manyame 24hr, St. Michaels and ZRP camp clinic are also carrying out the vaccination process.

Chitungwiza municipality director of health Dr Tonderai Kasu told Dungwiza News that the blitz was an integrated campaign to vaccinate and give vitamin A supplement to children below the age of 5 years against measles and rubella.

"In the current vaccination blitz, we are targeting all children aged 6-59 months irrespective of their previous vaccination status for Measles and Rubella."

He also revealed that 92 suspected cases of measles in Chitungwiza are under investigation and only a single case was detected on April 12 2022 and the affected person has recovered.

"With respect to testing for measles, we work with the National Virology lab and we have 40 outstanding test results, from mid-August to date, since the National Virology lab is overwhelmed".

"We do not have any positive polio cases in Chitungwiza but we investigated 25 acute flaccid paralysis cases and all yielded negative results".

He added that plans are afoot to extend the vaccination blitz to children aged 5 to 15 pending the availability of resources for the programme.

Chitown rolls out 11-day vaccination blitz - Zim Community News By SIMBARASHE GARAGADA THE Chitungwiza municipality health department has rolled out an 11-day vaccination blitz against measles, rubella and Covid 19

https://www.zimcommunitynews.com/2022/09/01/chitown-acting-mayor-blames-acting-managers-for-poor-service-delivery/

*Chitown acting mayor blames acting managers for poor service delivery*

*By SIMBARASHE GARAGADA*

CHITUNGWIZA municipality acting mayor Kiven Mutimbanyoka has cited the lack of substantive managers in critical departments as one of the biggest challenges his council is facing in the provision of service delivery.

Mutimbanyoka said this at the recent stakeholder engagement meeting which was held on Monday at Unit L Community Hall in Seke South District.

"Right now as we speak, we have a lot of acting positions in the management and at the end of the day we will fail to achieve anything in terms of service delivery" he said.

This also comes as pressure is mounting from councillors and residents leaders to find a solution to the alarming number of managers who are in acting capacity at council.

In a recent interview with Zim Community News the acting town clerk Evangelista Machona said that council’s hands were tied as the substantive managers were still fighting their cases at the courts.

Chitown acting mayor blames acting managers for poor service delivery - Zim Community News By SIMBARASHE GARAGADA CHITUNGWIZA municipality acting mayor Kiven Mutimbanyoka has cited the lack of substantive managers in critical departments as one

https://www.zimcommunitynews.com/2022/08/26/teen-rescue-in-chinhoyi-mission/

*Teen Rescue in Chinhoyi mission*
*By SIMBARASHE GARAGADA*
TEEN Rescue Mission has partnered with the Evangelical Fellowship of Zimbabwe Chinhoyi (EFZ) to hold an awareness and educational programme tommorrow in Chinhoyi.

The event which is running under the theme “Building a sober generation on no to drugs” is set to be held tomorrow at Faith Ministries Coldstream Chinhoyi.

Teen Rescue Mission programme coordinator Abraham Matuka told Zim Commmunity News that they were are reaching out to youths and children in Chinhoyi to spread awareness and educational programmes on drugs and early pregnancy.

"This event is going to be graced by a social worker and a counsellor Mrs Mukwashu and Coach Obvious," Matuka said.

"We are also offering free counselling to our young generation on fighting drugs and substance abuse, early pregnancy and crime in teens and youths."

The programme is in line with the government's vision for Zimbabwe to attain a middle income economy by the year 2030 through creating a society free of drugs and crime which is conducive for developmental projects.

Teen Rescue in Chinhoyi Mission - Zim Community News By SIMBARASHE GARAGADA TEEN Rescue Mission has partnered with the Evangelical Fellowship of Zimbabwe Chinhoyi (EFZ) to hold an awareness and educational

https://www.zimcommunitynews.com/2022/08/26/faulty-transformer-hits-chitown-arts-centre/

*Faulty transformer hits Chitown Arts Centre*

By SIMBARASHE GARAGADA
OPERATIONS at Chitungwiza Arts Centre have been hampered after a Zesa transformer, which services the area, developed a fault due to suspected over loading.

Chitungwiza Arts Centre secretary-general Bonface Muropa told Dungwiza News yesterday that a month had lapsed since the transformer broke down.

He said they have reported the matter to Zesa but the transformer is yet to be replaced.

"We reported the matter to Zesa, the report number is 33186, but they are saying that they don't have a replacement in the near future."

Muropa revealed that the Arts Centre’s more than 250 artists have been hit hard.

"Some of our members have resorted to renting in surrounding places where electricity is readily available".

"We are appealing for help to the government our parent ministry in particular so that we can buy a replacement," he said.

Zesa Chitungwiza district manager Artwell Matereke confirmed that a report was made by Chitungwiza Arts Centre.

However, he could not divulge any information as to when the problem would be resolved.

Mobile phone network service providers’ boosters in the area were equally affected, but they are using diesel generators as an alternative.

Faulty transformer hits Chitown Arts Centre - Zim Community News By SIMBARASHE GARAGADA OPERATIONS at Chitungwiza Arts Centre have been hampered after a Zesa transformer, which services the area, developed a fault due

https://www.zimcommunitynews.com/2022/08/25/msu-student-offers-music-lessons-to-finance-career/

*MSU student offers music lessons to finance career*

*BY SIMBARASHE GARAGADA*

MIDLANDS STATE UNIVERSITY music student Kudakwashe Chimuka (23) is offering keyboard and vocal lessons for all age groups as a way to finance his gospel music career.

The second-year Music Business, Musicology and Technology student, told Dungwiza News prior to the launch of his single titled Tenda.

The song produced at Exceptional Records by Tinashe Mutandwa is set to be launched on his Youtube channel on August 31.

An excited Chimuka told Dungwiza News that he has roped in Tapiwa Masara who was a great worshipper.

He said the message from the track is about the powerful impact of prayer and faith.

“There are many cases in the Bible where Jesus would say to a person ‘your faith has healed you’, that is what the song is all about,” he said.

After releasing several single tracks plans are afoot to produce an album.

“I have released tracks such as Wandisimudza, we need a solution, Handimusiye, Ndosvika chete, Ngatinamatirane, Rusarura ganda, Sorry word, Fly like an eagle.”

Inspired by local gospel music icon Minister Michael Mahendere, Chimuka is planning to hold a concert in November called Handimusiye Festival.

Chimuka, who became a solo artiste in 2018 while doing his A Levels, has produced three videos from producers who include Royal Designs media company.

He begun his career in 2012 as a keyboardist in the Allan Wilson High band.

MSU student offers music lessons to finance career - Zim Community News BY SIMBARASHE GARAGADA MIDLANDS STATE UNIVERSITY music student Kudakwashe Chimuka (23) is offering keyboard and vocal lessons for all age groups as a way

https://www.zimcommunitynews.com/2022/08/25/chitown-reallocates-44-unit-f-vegetable-tables/

*‘Council reallocates 44 Unit F vegetable tables’*

*By SIMBARASHE GARAGADA*
CHITUNGWIZA Ward 19 councillor Musa Makweza yesterday told residents that council was reallocating Unit F vegetable tables because the current holders were no longer utilising them.

During a feedback meeting held at Unit F Library, Makweza said that council reports indicate that the current holders had ignored paying for the stalls.

As a result, council was inviting new stall holders to take over.

"To everyone who would want to sell their goods, they are 44 vacant tables.

“No one is prohibited to sell their goods at the market place,” he said.

"All you need to do, is to go to Makoni Seke north municipality administration offices and apply for a place to sell your products.
“From there you will be given a table number."

He advised residents to approach him for assistance if they face any challenges at the administration offices at Makoni.

Issues also discussed were rampant drug abuse, theft , salaries of council workers, service delivery challenges, and failure by council to hold meetings.

This is one of many feedback meetings held by the councillor in the ward during his tenure.

‘Chitown reallocates 44 Unit F vegetable tables’ - Zim Community News By SIMBARASHE GARAGADA CHITUNGWIZA Ward 19 councillor Musa Makweza yesterday told residents that council was reallocating Unit F vegetable tables because

https://www.zimcommunitynews.com/2022/08/23/new-parly-100-complete-govt/

*By SIMBARASHE GARAGADA*

GOVERNMENT has announced that the new Parliament building in Mt Hampden is now 100 percent complete.

This was revealed by the Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Honourable July Moyo in a cabinet weekly briefing.

"The nation is being informed that the New Parliament Building structure is now 100 percent complete."

He added that the construction of the New Parliament which is located 20km northwest of Harare City in Mt Hampden, Harare commenced on November, 30 2018.

"The project was supposed to be completed by the end of July 2021, but was delayed by eight months following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic", Moyo said.

"The construction contract was awarded to Shanghai Construction Group Company Limited, with the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works as the coordinator and supervisor for the project," he said.

The building was designed by a Chinese company named SIPPR working together with the Zimbabwe Design Team.

The project has employed more than 500 Chinese and 1 200 locals.

However, he said that there are still outstanding works including car parks, retaining walls and landscaping which Government is undertaking. So the cabinet has directed Treasury to urgently release the funds required to complete the outstanding work.

New Parly 100% complete: Govt - Zim Community News 'The project was supposed to be completed by the end of July 2021, but was delayed by eight months following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic'

https://www.zimcommunitynews.com/2022/08/23/drug-abuse-behind-high-chitown-murder-cases/

*'Drug abuse, behind high Chitown murders’*

*By SIMBARASHE GARAGADA*

MANY Zimbabwean youths have turned to drug and substance abuse and are involved in heinous crimes due to the deepening economic crisis in Zimbabwe.

Chitungwiza ward 24 councillor, Yotamu Chagwada told Dungwiza News that idle youths wake up daily and spend time sitting on bridges.

"At first they will be playing draft, the next thing one will bring out a cigaratte of ma*****na, then the next day som**hing stronger," he said.

"Look at the rise in murder cases, it is the system to blame and not the youths’ fault, they are very few of these murders that are not systematic.”

He added while referring to recent murder in Unit M.

Many youths in the ward are now taking drugs such as ma*****na and mutoriro (crystal m**h).

Chagwada blamed the government’s security agents for allowing the drugs to slip through the borders into the country.

"The youths are taking d***o (m**hamphetamine), those are foreign drugs, who is smuggling those drugs into the country, it is not a common person?.”
He also blamed corruption among the local police force.

"Right now in this particular ward, you can find even a police van parked a few metres away from a drug baron.

“You will see a known drug baron approaching them to give them money.”

'Drug abuse, behind high Chitown murder cases’ - Zim Community News By SIMBARASHE GARAGADA MANY Zimbabwean youths have turned to drug and substance abuse and are involved in heinous crimes due to the deepening economic

https://www.zimcommunitynews.com/2022/08/20/zanu-pf-looting-destroys-youths-ccc-mp/

*Zanu PF looting destroys youths: CCC MP*

*BY SIMBARASHE GARAGADA/EMELLY MAGARAMOMBE*

CHITUNGWIZA South member of Parliament Maxwell Mavhunga has laid the blame squarely on the Zanu PF government’s unrestrained plundering of national resources for destroying hope among the youths leading to rampant drug abuse.

Mavhunga said this yesterday when he officiated at the launch of a book Wapindwa Nei by University of Zimbabwe student Herbert Mutanda that was also attended by ward 24 councillor Yotam Chagwada.

"Our leaders are thinking about themselves only, this is the reason why I no let me spare my time to urge the young man to do more.”

“We only eat to finish everything, it can either be minerals or anything, we are looting everything, we are forgetting that there is another generation which is supposed to coming after us”.

He castigated the government for letting the nation down and destroying the youths who are the future of this country.

“If we are to talk about medical aid, one would say how can we talk about that yet I have no food today, if we talk about funeral policy anther will say that it would be the burden of those who remain alive, that is losing hope.

The CCC legislator applauded Mutanda, who is from his constituency, as a beacon of hope among the youths.

He implored the youths to prepare and not be caught napping for the change that is coming soon.
“
He likened the leadership crisis to the title of the book.

“While I am yet to read the book, Our the title is Wakapindwa nei? this means that you were once a good person but along the way you changed into bad person.”

Some of the themes in the book written in Shona are child abuse, prostitution, virginity, education, HIV tests, parent and child relationships and drug abuse.

Zanu PF looting destroys youths: CCC MP - Zim Community News 'If we are to talk about medical aid, one would say how can we talk about that yet I have no food today, if we talk about funeral policy anther will say that it would be the burden of those who remain alive, that is losing hope'

https://www.zimcommunitynews.com/2022/08/18/3-years-later-govt-exhumes-cyclone-idai-bodies/

*3 years later, Govt exhumes Cyclone Idai bodies*

*By SIMBARASHE GARAGADA*
GOVERNMENT has exhumed the bodies of 31 Cyclone Idai victims buried in Mozambique three years ago.

The Cyclone caused serious damage in Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Malawi in 2019, leaving more than 1 300 people dead.

This was revealed during the weekly Cabinet briefing by Information minister Monica Mutsvangwa.

"The nation is being informed that following a Cabinet decision to exhume bodies of victims of Cyclone Idai that were swept to Mozambique through the Rusitu River."

According to Local Government minister, July Moyo a team comprising pathologists, ZRP forensic officials, ZNA and the Civil Registry was set up to carry out the exhumations.

Before carrying the exhumations, the team, assisted by Ambassador Victor Matematanda, consulted Mozambican officials and the traditional leadership.

"The traditional leadership and the grave diggers were paid tokens of appreciation for assisting in the burial of the victims," said Moyo.

An arrangement was made with Chimoio Provincial Hospital for the storage of the remains of the victims.

DNA tests will be carried out in Zimbabwe by the National University of Science and Technology’s Applied Genetic Testing Centre in collaboration with the AiBST Laboratory."

"The two laboratories have already collected reference samples from the families who lost their loved ones during the disaster.”

The remains will be transported and stored in Zimbabwe prior to the release of DNA results.

3 years later, Govt exhumes Cyclone Idai bodies - Zim Community News By SIMBARASHE GARAGADA GOVERNMENT has exhumed the bodies of 31 Cyclone Idai victims buried in Mozambique three years ago. The Cyclone caused serious

https://www.zimcommunitynews.com/2022/08/13/stakeholders-bay-for-chitown-acting-mayors-blood/

*Stakeholders bay for Chitown acting mayor’s blood*

*BY SIMBARASHE GARAGADA*
CHITUNGWIZA stakeholders have blasted acting Mayor Kiven Mutimbanyoka’s conduct alleging that he recently walked out of a stakeholders' plenary session held at Margolis Resort.

According to the stakeholders this was not the first time that Mutimbanyoka, who is a Zanu PF councillor, had walked out of council meetings.

The meeting was attended by members of the Chitungwiza Multi-stakeholder Forum who included Chitungwiza and Manyame Rural Residents Association, Chitungwiza Residents Trust, Chitungwiza Progressive Residents Association, Chitungwiza Residents and Ratepayers Association Chitungwiza Business Association and Zimbabwe Old People's Association.

"The acting mayor walked out of the plenary session before lunch after stakeholders asked him when he will call for the election of a substantive mayor in the town," said Brighton Mazhindu.

"Stakeholders also questioned the amount of funding Chitungwiza was allocated by Zinara, and again Mutimbanyoka had no answer," he added.

The plenary session, which is held quarterly, provides stakeholders with an opportunity to do budget tracking and review council's performance.

However, Mutimbanyoka refuted allegations that he walked out of the meeting and accused well-known Citizens Coalition for Change-aligned activists backed by former mayor Lovemore Maiko of political grandstanding by hijacking "a great feedback programme".

“Before I addressed the meeting, I told everyone who had attended that I had another commitment at 2pm and I told them that the meeting was going to run until lunch time, around lunch time

“Cllr Maiko who is fancying a comeback as the Mayor of Chitungwiza decided to disrupt the meeting as is now synonymous with him these days, chaos erupted mainly from the likes of Alice Kuvheya and Mazhindu.”

He urged .

Stakeholders bay for Chitown acting mayor’s blood - Zim Community News BY SIMBARASHE GARAGADA CHITUNGWIZA stakeholders have blasted acting Mayor Kiven Mutimbanyoka’s conduct alleging that he recently walked out of a