Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Zimeye
Published on 2024-03-25 10:25:19
The Community Water Alliance has expressed outrage over an addendum to the Joint Venture concession agreement between the City of Harare and Geogenix, which will result in the local authority paying an additional US$2 million for refuse collection. This move has sparked concern and criticism from various stakeholders, including Community Water Alliance representative Hardlife Mudzingwa, who highlighted the detrimental impact it will have on service delivery and the city’s finances.
During a press conference on Monday, Mudzingwa voiced his worries about the government’s decision to prioritize the interests of the discredited businessman Dilesh Nguwaya over the well-being of Harare residents. The proposed addendum to the concession agreement would require the City of Harare to pay over US$2 million for the collection of solid waste from suburbs, a cost that the Alliance deems unnecessary and excessive.
Furthermore, Mudzingwa revealed that the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works had organized a meeting with City of Harare councilors and staff to pressure them into accepting the addendum. This move has raised concerns about the lack of transparency and accountability in the decision-making process, as well as the potential negative impact on the city’s already strained budget.
The Community Water Alliance also expressed dismay over the significant increase in costs for waste collection that the City of Harare would incur under the proposed addendum. The city would be required to pay USD123.92 per ton for waste collection, in addition to the existing fee of USD40.00 per ton for dumping waste at the Pomona facility. This financial burden comes at a time when the city is already facing challenges in meeting the needs of its residents and maintaining essential services.
Despite objections from residents and civil society organizations, the City of Harare has continued to make payments to Geogenix, even though the contractor has failed to meet the obligations outlined in the work plan. The Alliance has called for the termination of the Pomona dumpsite deal and criticized the city and government for prioritizing the interests of private companies over the well-being of the community.
In conclusion, the Community Water Alliance’s stance against the addendum to the Joint Venture concession agreement reflects a broader concern about the lack of accountability and transparency in governance decisions that affect the livelihoods of Harare residents. By highlighting the adverse effects of this agreement on service delivery and the city’s finances, the Alliance seeks to advocate for the prioritization of public interest and the protection of community resources.
Read the original article on The Zimbabwe Eye
