Furore over Unicef grant

Tawanda Mangoma in Chiredzi
Chiredzi residents have criticised council for failing to use the $643 000 provided by UNICEF to upgrade the town’s water and sewerage reticulation systems. UNICEF has reportedly withdrawn the grant after council failed to draw down the fund within the stipulated time. Addressing a full council meeting recently, United Chiredzi Residents’ and Ratepayers’ Association chairperson Mr Josphat Tizirai challenged council management to improve on project supervision to avoid a repeat of such cases.

“We are not happy with the poor management which your, council management, have exhibited. Early this year, UNICEF had to withdraw a $643 000 grant, which would have helped us improve the water and sewerage system. “You failed to supervise the project up until the money was withdrawn.” Chiredzi Town Council secretary Mr Charles Muchatukwa, however, said council was not at fault as it was not responsible for supervising the company contracted by the United Nations agency for the project.

“Council had no jurisdiction to supervise the company, which was contracted by UNICEF. We had no power to do that; so that is why we are budgeting for water and sewerage improvement,” he said. Chiredzi is plagued by serious water shortages, especially in wards 5, 6 and 7, and this has prompted residents to boycott paying rates. Chiredzi Town Council is currently owed more than $5 million by residents, while its workers have gone for more than six months without getting their salaries.