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Residents' Voices - Issue 34
Bulawayo Progressive Residents Association (BPRA)
October 15, 2010

Residents disappointed by relocation of National Foods plant

At a time when Bulawayo residents are at their hype in calling for devolution of powers in the country it has come to light that the National Foods Private Limited's stock feed plant is relocating to Harare. One of the reasons why residents clamour for devolution of power is because it is seen as the most effective way of ensuring that different regions are at par in terms of possibilities for development. Most residents said that the move is intolerable mainly because institutions that operate from Harare hardly ever benefit this part of the country. They have said that there is no guarantee that whatever will be produced will trickle down from Harare. Residents are questioning how the financial, logistical and operational challenges, which have been stated as reasons for the relocation, will be overcome in Harare and whether it is impossible to implement those in Bulawayo. The youth of Bulawayo have decried this relocation saying that it comes at a time when the youth make up the largest percentage of the population that is unemployed. The image of Bulawayo as the hub of the country's industries is also being jeopardised in the process. Not only is the number of the city's operational industries reducing but in turn the number of the unemployed is increasing drastically. This move by National Foods Private Limited whose headquarters is in Harare is seen by some residents as a deliberate move to further entrench the marginalisation of Matabeleland.

ZESA's conduct unacceptable

Despite protests by residents and civic organisations against the issuing of summons by ZESA, the parastatal continues to cut power supplies to residents with arrears. To the residents' dismay the summons state that the bills of those in arrears should be fully paid in seven days. Calculating the seven day period has been problematic for most residents. Some residents from Pumula North reported that the summons' letterhead has one date, the stamp has another and the delivery is made on a different day. Most people fear being caught unaware as they do not know that the period starts on the day of service. Residents have also passed complaints on how ZESA employees solicit for bribes when disconnecting electricity. Residents say that they are not failing to pay their bills because they do not want to, but because they cannot afford to fork out the lump sums. As a result residents across the city suggest that ZESA should clear all residents' debts. It is pointless to make residents go through the hassle of searching for money knowing very well that they are in no position to clear their debts. In their defence, ZESA officials have said that, consumers that are in debt can come and negotiate a payment plan scheme to avoid disconnection and legal action. However, the challenge that most residents faced was that, negotiation terms were dictated to them by ZESA regardless of debtor's income ratios.

Residents cry foul over special interests councillors

Despotic tendencies have once again reared their ugly head in Zimbabwe's body politic. Recently, the ministry of local government announced that it would appoint special interest councillors in all local councils in the country. Bulawayo Progressive Residents Association (BPRA) is appalled by this development. BPRA believes that this is a ploy by the Minister of Local Government, Ignatius Chombo, to exert his influence on the operations of local councils. BPRA also believes that the current constitution that gives the minister the powers to appoint special interest councillors is flawed and archaic, and therefore not in line with twenty-first century democratic ideals. It is therefore BPRA's contention, in tandem with the aspirations of the people of Bulawayo that Minister Chombo should consult with Bulawayo residents so that they can let him know what their special interests are and provide suitable candidates. BPRA is against having the Ministry of Local Government impose itself on the people of Bulawayo as has happened in the past. In addition, BPRA is agitating for decentralization of local governments in the new constitution so that the current scenario where the minister of local government has unlimited power over the operations of local councils is done away with.

BPRA will be staging a demonstration against ZESA in a bid to call for improved service provision and compliance with the Competition and Tariffs Commission's directive. The demonstration will be at the city centre on 27 October 2010. Other civic organisations and members of the public are welcome to take part. Further details will be communicated soon.

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