‘Parties must work together for development’

Fortious Nhambura The Interview
It is almost five months since the appointment of the first female Minister of State for Harare Metropolitan Province. The province houses Zimbabwe’s largest city, Harare, and the dormitory town of Chitungwiza. It faces many problems, ranging from housing, land for expansion, to water and sanitation. Our Senior Features Writer Fortious Nhambura (FN) spoke to Minister Miriam Chikukwa (MC) on these and other challenges facing the province.

FN: Minister Chikukwa, you are the first female Minister of State for Harare Province, can you briefly tell our readers your experiences as executive head of the province?
MC: My time at the helm of the province has been hectic. At first it was difficult to get acceptance by my male counterparts. Maybe … people had not come to terms with my appointment, I don’t know. Even some female colleagues did not accept my appointment to the office of Minister of State for Harare Province. Many thought senior male colleagues in (Zanu-PF) would have landed the post and were actually shocked by the appointment. What gave me hope is the realisation that there are people who want progress, the (ordinary) people in the community and even the business community accepted me. These people were saying we have had male heads of the province before, let us see what a mother can do. People are beginning to come forward and we are now working together for the good of the province.

FN: What should the people of Harare Province expect from you?
MC: Firstly, I am a woman of God. Because of this Harare should expect a transparent leadership, zero tolerance to corruption and a leadership that meets and listens to the people. I want to know what the people want and not assume what they want. For instance when you see someone saying in one room, you might think what she wants is a house but on talking to her you will be surprised to hear that what she needs most is school fees for her children. So the only thing that I will be doing is meet the people, talk to them and ask them how they want Harare to progress.

FN: How are you going to deal with the problems of land and housing shortages and expansion of the city now that the province has eaten up most of its space?
MC: I intend to engage with my neighbours in Mashonaland East, Central and West provinces so that they can give us some land. It is, however, important to note that my role is co-ordinating and the line ministry will implement, so I will be working with the Ministry of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing on that issue and hope something positive will come through. We no longer have space in the cities and it is critical that when we get that space we go vertical than lateral. It’s not only us but the norm the world over because of the shortage of space, buildings are going up. If resources permit that is most appropriate.

FN: One of the main concerns of people living in the municipalities under Harare province is poor service delivery. What is being done to ensure that local authorities in the province improve service delivery?
MC: What I want to appeal to leadership in local authorities is to stop politicking and work for the good of their municipalities. I know the councils are under the opposition MDC-T but what is important is work for the betterment of the people’s lives. July 31, 2013 is gone and the elections are over, it is time work for the development of our councils. Those who won the elections must give direction and it is important that local authorities understand that. Councils are dominated by MDC-T but Zanu-PF heads central government. There is therefore need for officials from the two parties to work together for the benefit of the residents. Development can only take place if people start working together and respecting the authority that is there. We have started engaging stakeholders and friendly countries ie the African Development Bank that donated some equipment last week so that we improve service delivery in line with the new economic blueprint, Zim-Asset.

FN: Some senior officials in Zanu-PF have been fingered in illegal housing developments and fleecing residents through bogus co-operatives. What is going to be done to such individuals? Are we going to see any prosecutions soon?
MC: I am concerned but let those who are handling the issue do their part. There is a committee already set by (Local Government) Minister (Ignatius) Chombo and led by his Deputy Minister (Joel) Matiza and that will give us direction. I am still to get the report on my desk but I want to assure you that appropriate action will be taken. If you are caught on the wrong side of the law then the law must take its course. Laws will not be applied in a discriminatory way… Some people are judged in the media but investigations should prove who is right or wrong.

FN: Housing demolitions have been suggested for Chitungwiza and surrounding areas. Minister Chikukwa, is this fair for the people who built houses in these areas? Is Government not punishing innocent people when the real culprits are known?
MC: I have zero tolerance for corruption. There are set rules and people should just follow those rules … people should just do the correct thing. Government will not be swerved from the law because it has put housing provision top among its priorities, no. Things have to be done right. The party will not abandon co-operatives as an option for housing provision for the poor because some people have abused this vehicle. Those in the wrong will be prosecuted. It is incorrect to build in undesignated areas. Now that people have built in these areas we can’t say continue living there until disaster strikes. They have to be moved. We need to find a solution together. I am saying let’s engage as ministries involved, co-operatives and the people involved so that we can come up with a lasting solution. Let the investigation continue and if someone is caught on the wrong side let the law take its course.

FN: Cde Chigumba is evicting members of the Zano Remba housing co-operative in Chitungwiza arguing that he owns the land. How are you going to deal with the issue?
MC: Let the minister do his investigations and come up with recommendations.
FN: There hasn’t been any improvement in service delivery in Harare and Chitungwiza despite elections promises. What should be done to ensure that people get the best service under the Zanu-PF Government?
MC: I don’t think I agree with you that there has not been improvement in service delivery since the elections. The fact that there are investigations into land scams is an improvement. You can just start giving infrastructure like roads and sewer without setting the projects right. The investigation is not only for land barons but is also touching the city council. Service delivery will only come when there is transparency, when councils are doing what is right. These land barons are working with councils. The party has already done something by appointing a team to investigate operations in councils. Equipment is beginning to come in to improve service delivery. Honestly with five months in office and under sanctions, we have done well.

FN: There are accusations that you are advancing a Zanu-PF agenda in MDC-led councils in the province and you want them to fail for the benefit of the party but at the expense of development. What is your relationship with the councils of Chitungwiza and Harare?
MC: I am not apologetic for being Zanu-PF. I am very proud to be Zanu-PF and be associated with Cde Robert Mugabe. Our party won the elections and according to the national law, those who win the elections should give direction to the country. The winners are the ones who set the pace for development. So if you are city council, whatever you do is informed by Cde Mugabe and Zanu-PF policies. Zanu-PF is the head and makes the rules. Local authorities are part of Government and will have to adhere to set rules. Government has Zim-Asset and it prioritises clean water, roads and housing and that is what municipalities must strive to provide. Government has to monitor and evaluate what is happening on the ground. Those who are making those allegations are actually telling me that they do not want clean water, sewer upgrade and decent housing in municipalities. My appeal is let us stop politicking and work together for the benefit of the residents. Don’t forget that there are people who are neither Zanu-PF nor MDC but want good service delivery. Those are the people we should not forget when we engage. My door is open to MDC and Zanu-PF members and we have been talking… We have meetings with city council heads and the ministers.

FN: What is your take on the goings-on at Harare City Council?
MC: Let the events unfold because it is the time. The truth will come out soon. We will soon separate fact from fable.