Online Reporter
Fairness Moyana in Hwange
RESIDENTS of Hwange have called for the incorporation of concession areas under private authorities into the Hwange Local Board (HLB), arguing the existing quasi-administration structure is stifling development and effective service delivery in the mining town.
Hwange Central falls under the administrative control of Hwange Colliery Company Limited (HCCL), the 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 sidelines HLB, the constitutionally mandated local authority as stipulated under Chapter 14, Sections 264-279 of the Constitution.
The issue came under scrutiny following a petition submitted to Parliament last year by a group of concerned Hwange youths, who argued that the existing governance setup deprives residents of proper service delivery and political representation.
According to the petition, residents of Wards 2, 3, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15 — an estimated 20 000 people — live in concession areas that are excluded from the jurisdiction of the Hwange Local Board.
“We are concerned about the dominance of local corporates in service delivery. HCCL, NRZ and Zesa have sustained a governance system that violates the social contract by excluding the general populace within the concession from enjoying the benefits of Chapter 14 of the Constitution, which include public service delivery, sustainable environmental management and transparent public finance management,” reads part of the petition.
The petitioners urged Parliament to expedite the process of incorporating the concession areas into the Hwange Local Board’s jurisdiction to unify service delivery and development efforts.
“This will ultimately create a single local authority, ensuring effective governance in line with Section 274 of the Constitution,” the petition stated.
During a public hearing conducted by the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Local Government over the weekend, residents expressed concern over the negative impact of dual administration, which they say has hindered Hwange’s progress.
Mr Nkosi Sibanda from Ward 15 described the prevailing arrangement as unfair and undemocratic.
“Private companies should not be administering residential areas. These areas should be under a public authority that allows for democratic governance and political representation,” he said.
Mr John Nyathi, a resident from the Colliery concession area, said HCCL should focus on its core business of coal mining rather than service delivery, which he argued is being carried out at a high cost to residents.
“We want a single municipality that will drive development. Hwange Colliery is a profit-driven entity and will always prioritise business interests over the welfare of residents,” he said.
Ms Sylvia Jonasi from Ward 12 expressed concern over the high cost of health care services at private facilities owned by the companies, which primarily cater to employees.
Former HLB chairperson, Mr Jonathan Mathuthu, expressed concern over the slow pace of the incorporation process, which he said had been proposed decades ago.
“This process has taken too long. The town needs a unified administration for proper urban development. Initially, these companies participated in local governance through representation, but now, we need a single governing entity,” he said.
Mr Tinashe Matika raised concerns about exclusion from public funds, such as devolution funds and Zinara allocations, which benefit other local authorities but not Hwange residents living in concession areas.
“Due to this setup, we do not benefit from public funds meant for local development. Furthermore, the town’s spatial planning is disorganised, violating principles of transparency, accountability and democratic governance,” he said.
However, not all residents supported the incorporation proposal. Mr Allan Twalumba argued HCCL was better at service delivery than the struggling Hwange Local Board.
“I oppose incorporation because Hwange Colliery Company has been doing a better job than HLB, which is failing to manage basic services like sewage disposal,” he said.
The governance issue in Hwange escalated in 2008, when Government redrew electoral boundaries to include the concession areas. This led to the creation of 15 wards, although HLB only administers four, while the remaining 11 fall under private authorities.
This setup has led to clashes over rate payments, as concession area residents argue they are unfairly charged while not benefitting from municipal services.
Chairperson of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Local Government, Public Works and National Housing, Cde Joseph Tshuma, who is also the Pelandaba-Tshabalala legislator, assured residents that Parliament would deliberate on their concerns.
“We have taken note of all your concerns and will present our findings to Parliament for discussion and a way forward,” he said.
