Story by Fungai Jachi
HWANGE residents in Matabeleland North Province have called for the incorporation of concession areas under private authorities into the Hwange Local Board (HLB), arguing the existing dual-administration system is stifling development and effective service delivery in the mining town.
Through a petition to Parliament, residents expressed concern over the negative impact of dual administration, which they say has hindered Hwange’s progress.
One of the residents, Mr Graciano Kapfunde this Tuesday told the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Local Government, Public Works and National Housing that action must be taken to ensure Hwange residents are not left behind.
“All we want is for us to benefit from devolution and CDF funds. Incorporation will be in the best interests of Hwange residents,” he said.
Representatives from Hwange Colliery Company and National Railways of Zimbabwe, which have several properties in the mining town, also gave their position on the matter.
“What we are concerned about is that there is no clear position as to what will happen to the properties we have invested in. If there is a way to compensate us then incorporation will not be a problem,” Hwange Colliery Company’s Administrator, Mr Munashe Shava stated.
“Incorporation is not bad but we want to be assured that we do not lose control of our land which is meant for expansion,” National Railways of Zimbabwe’s Chief Finance Officer, Mr Patrick Mwashita reiterated.
Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Local Government, Public Works and National Housing, Honourable Joseph Tshuma encouraged all the parties involved to deliberate on incorporation and take the issue seriously.
“Hwange Central Constituency has 15 wards and only five under the Hwange Local Board benefit from funds that come from the central government. The other 10 can only benefit if they are under the same administration. They all have to come together and come up with a solution that benefits the people.”
Hwange Central falls under the administrative control of Hwange Colliery Company Limited (HCCL), National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) and the Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA), which oversee infrastructure and social amenities within their concession areas.
This has resulted in a fragmented governance system that side-lines Hwange Local Board, the constitutionally mandated local authority as stipulated under Chapter 14, Sections 264-279 of the Constitution.
The eastern parts of Hwange town, which include Empumalanga, Boabab and Baghdad suburbs, are under the administration of Hwange Local Board.
