Online Reporter
Diana Nherera
CHITUNGWIZA councillors have voiced concern over Manyame’s continued free access to water that the town is receiving from Harare.
Speaking at the 497th Ordinary Council Meeting, Ward 19 Councillor Musa Makweza said Chitungwiza was paying for the water that Manyame is getting for free.
“When there was a (water pipe) burst at Chikwanha, Manyame was asked to assist with the repairs and they refused,” he said.
“So it’s a risk. We should give them their own water meter, so that they pay for their consumption and if they fail to do so, they will be disconnected.”
Ward 10 Clr Peter Matiringe said it was not fair on the part of Chitungwiza which is buying water from Harare.
“Manyame is using water supplied to Chitungwiza, but we don’t have an agreement with them. They are just benefiting by virtue of proximity,” he said.
“I understand Manyame is asking why they should pay when we are getting the water from Harare. Why should we be held to ransom by Manyame. Why are we failing to take a firm position as council?”
“They are getting all their services from Chitungwiza; be it schools, clinics, roads and everything, yet they are not paying for the services.”
Clr Matiringe urged acting town clerk Mr Japson Nemuseso to deal with the issue.
Chitungwiza mayor Clr Rosaria Mangoma said Manyame was also benefiting from Chitungwiza’s revenue at Chikwanha.
Acting works director Engineer Talent Mashinga said Manyame should be charged in bulk.
“We used to charge them as individuals. So it’s ideal for our offtake, let’s face Manyame and Manyame deals with its residents,” he said.
Clr Mangoma urged Eng Mashinga to deal with the matter urgently.
