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Sharon Chimenya, Masvingo Correspondent
The Masvingo City is set to call for a meeting with the non-governmental organisations (NGOs) operating within the city boundaries and make a brief outline on the scope of their operations.
The Health, Housing and Environmental Health Services Committee, according to the recent council minutes raised concern over the NGOs that were operating in the city without having engaged the local authority and has directed the Director of Housing and Social Services Mr Levison Nzvura to arrange for a meeting.
“The Committee raised concern on other non-governmental organisations which were operating in the city without engaging the local leadership in the wards.
The Director of Housing and Social Services was instructed to invite all NGOs operating in the city, to a Special Meeting of Health, Housing and Environmental Health Services, where they would be required to introduce themselves and make a brief outline on the scope of their operations in the City,” read part of the minutes
Meanwhile, the committee also recommended that the local authority contributes to the City of Masvingo Urban Poor Fund, being managed by Dialogue on Shelter Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe Homeless People’s Federation and City of Masvingo.
The alliance of Dialogue on Shelter and Zimbabwe Homeless People’s Federation is this year targeting to continue giving loans to organised solidarity groups in Masvingo under the established Masvingo Urban Poor Fund.
The fund previously disbursed US$91 800 to 715 members organised in 135 solidarity groups. The organisation is also set to complete the Tanaiwa Water and Sanitation inventions.
The project’s activities were hampered by procurement delays that resulted in delays over the completion of the 22 toilets and water points at Tanaiwa Hostels.
“Consideration was given to the report of the Director of Housing and Social Services, on the activities of Dialogue on Shelter for the year 2022.
It was reported that the alliance had secured funding for the completion of Garikai Pay Toilet, equipping one existing borehole with solar pump and storage tank and renovation of an additional hostel at Mambo Hostels with 5 improved toilets and water points.
“It was suggested and agreed that City of Masvingo should explore the possibility of making some contributions towards the Urban Poor Fund with a view to motivate the donor to provide more assistance to the inhabitants of Masvingo City.
The Director of Housing and Social Services was instructed to facilitate the sourcing of funds for injection into the Urban Poor Fund to benefit the residents of the City,” read part of the minutes.
Bongani Ndlovu