adminNqobile Tshili and Patient Sibanda Chronicle Reporters
BULAWAYO women and youths have urged the city council to prioritise water and housing provision in next year’s budget. They said this during 2015 budget review consultative meetings held at the Small City Hall and Inyathi Youth Centre in Mpopoma suburb on Thursday. Women who were holding their meeting at the Small City Hall said water provision must be a priority, while the youths told a meeting in Mpopoma suburb that they needed to own houses of their own.
The women’s meeting was facilitated by the council’s senior health and safety officer Audrey Manyeme while senior public relations officer Nesisa Mpofu engaged the youths.
Council representatives promised to submit residents’ submissions to the city fathers.
Contributing during the women’s consultations, a Pumula resident said the municipality should ensure that there is continuous water supply in the city to curb diseases.
The resident said the decision by council to disconnect water was forcing affected residents to use the bush to relieve themselves.
“As we speak, we’ve been exposed to diseases because some houses have been disconnected by the council.
“There are people who are using the bucket system to dispose of their waste. The bush has become smelly because of this. That’s why I believe water is a priority,” said the resident.
Women also expressed concern over the operation against vendors saying not all of them can afford vending bays.
“Some can’t afford the vending bays that the council says we must buy. Today (Thursday) council workers were entering our homes confiscating our wares.
“We can’t all go to vending bays,” said Sibongile Ncube.
Another woman called on the council to clarify its position on maternity charges.
“We want to know the council’s position on the maternity charges.
“We understand the government said women should pay for this service,” she said.
Meanwhile, the youths said council must improve servicing and allocation of residential stands.
“We’re growing up. We’ve to move out of our parental homes. As young people we’re looking forward to having our own residential stands,” said Machina Ngodzo, from Sizinda.
Honest Nyoni from Mpopoma said acquiring housing stands was a mammoth task for residents.
“We’re worried about our future. The waiting list is still too long so where does this leave us as youths?
“We also wish to be proud residential property owners,” said Nyoni.
Mpofu said they use the waiting list to allocate stands.
“We can’t promise to give youth stands but in our allocations we’ll include young people who can buy the stands,” she said.
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