Chivhu residents are fuming after learning that Local Government Minister Daniel Garwe is set to commission a water bowser and a refuse compactor in the transit town on Saturday — amid fears the council coild spend thousands of dollars hosting the event for two machines that, on a good day, are meant to save money.
Garwe is expected to preside over the ceremony at the Chivhu Town Council offices at 9am, according to an invitation sent to councillors by the local authority.
“Maswera sei. Tiri kukuzivisai nekukukokai musi weSaturday kune commissioning yeWater Bowser neRefuse Compactor naMinister of Local Government. Nenguva dza9am pama office eCouncil,” reads the notice.
Residents who spoke to NewsDay expressed concern that the cash-strapped council could splash thousands of United States dollars catering for the minister’s delegation and covering travel and subsistence allowances for councillors — all to officially introduce equipment whose job description is simply to deliver water and carry rubbish, quietly and without applause.
One resident said:
“This is unnecessary expenditure at a time when we are struggling with water shortages and poor service delivery. Why should ratepayers’ money be used to host political events?”
Another resident described the commissioning as a “campaign gimmick,” conveniently timed to influence voters ahead of the February 22 by-elections in Wards 12 and 7 under the Chikomba Rural District Council.
Ward 12 fell vacant following the conviction of CCC councillor Maukazuva, while Ward 7 is up for grabs after the death of Zanu PF councillor Florence Mudzamiri.
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Critics argue that the high-profile commissioning of basic service-delivery equipment in Chivhu — which falls under Chikomba RDC — could be designed to boost the ruling party’s visibility in the run-up to the polls, proving that in local politics, even a water bowser can enjoy a moment in the spotlight.
