HWANGE Local Board has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Zimbabwe National Water Authority with regards to the handing over of the Empumalanga Phase 4 Stage II water management project to the authority.
In a letter written by HLB spokesperson Dumisani Nsingo, HLB and Zinwa held a meeting on September 27 to discuss the MoU.
Acting town secretary Paulos Mabhureni signed the MoU on behalf of the council.
“This serves to inform you that on September 27, 2024, HLB held a meeting with the Zinwa Hwange to deliberate on the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the two parties on the handing over of Empumalanga Phase 4 Stage II water management,” Nsingo wrote.
“Zinwa requested for the removal of certain financially related clauses of which Hwange Local Board obliged.
“Thereafter, acting town secretary Mabhureni signed the MoU on behalf on HLB and handed it over to Zinwa Hwange officials, who advised that the document will be sent to their head office in Harare for signing by their chief executive officer, most probably on Monday (September 30, 2024).”
Nsingo noted that the signing of the MoU was expected to pave the way for the reconnection of water at Empumalanga Phase 4 Stage II, which was disconnected over six months ago.
Early this week, Nsingo confirmed the letter saying it was meant for the residents and the councillors in Hwange.
However, Greater Whange Residents Trust co-ordinator Fidelis Chima hailed the move.
“We are happy that the impasse between HLB and Zinwa has been resolved and residents of Phase 4 will finally access water, but however, we still maintain that water distribution to residents should be managed by council,” he said.
“Taking over water management by Zinwa from HLB is against the spirit of devolution.”