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Residents Voices - Issue 77
Bulawayo Progressive Residents Association (BPRA)
July 27, 2012

ZESA installs meters in residents' households but . . .

The Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) has finally started work on a programme that involves installation of electricity pre-paid meters in homes that have hitherto been using load limiters. The move while long overdue has raised an outcry from residents of Bulawayo who are complaining that ZESA is using the exercise as an excuse to disconnect defaulting residents as part of an alleged broader scheme to raise funds for the struggling power station. This has seen many defaulting households in suburbs such as Mahatshula and Waterford where the exercise has been initiated being disconnected from power. Residents have pointed out that the bills that residents owe ZESA were accrued at periods that were characterised by rampant load shedding; hence it is not fair for the power utility to disconnect residents. While acknowledging that they would pay their bills, the residents called on the institution to refrain from disconnecting them.

Police investigate HSCT fund

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) is currently investigating disbursement of funds under the pilot phase of the Harmonised Social Cash Transfer Programme (HSCT) in Old Magwegwe after residents alleged that the funds were misappropriated by members of the Child Protection Committee in the ward. The issue came to light when beneficiaries of the programme alleged that they had received only fractions of the monies that they were supposed to receive under the scheme, with the difference allegedly being pocketed by the CPC members. Police launched an investigation after the Bulawayo progressive Residents Association (BPRA) wrote to the officer commanding Police in Magwegwe and the Officer Commanding Bulawayo Province informing them of the anomalies that were noted in the disbursements of the funds. Under the HSCTP, CPCs are the link between the Department of Social Welfare and residents. The HSCTP is a social welfare programme meant to cushion poor members of the community from the harsh economic climate. In Bulawayo the programme is currently running in Mzilikazi (ward 8), Lobengula (ward 14), Old Magwegwe (Ward 18), Old Pumula (ward 19), Pumula South (ward 27), and Magwegwe North/West (ward 29).

BCC commences water shedding

The Bulawayo City Council (BCC) on Monday 23 July 2012 released its water loading schedule, and revealed that water cuts would commence in the city from Friday 27 July 2012. The water shedding has been introduced as a measure to deal with a water crisis following the low rainfalls recorded last rainy season. As part of the measures to conserve water, water limits have been reduced from 350 litres to 300 litres and from 400 litres to 350 litres western areas and eastern areas respectively. According to BCC, attempts will be made to stick to the schedule although it may be changed without notice. BCC has also advised residents to ensure that taps are kept closed at all times.

Please find below the Water Shedding Schedule:

Visit the Bulawayo Progressive Residents Association fact sheet

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