Norton council blocks community projects over political differences with sitting MP

0

 

 

Marshall Bwanya

Norton – Norton Town Council (NTC) is facing criticism for obstructing local legislator Richard Tsvangirai’s plans to build a school in Kingsdale in Ward 2 and renovate the maternity ward at Norton Hospital, despite both projects being funded through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF).

Tsvangirai wrote to the NTC last November, requesting land for the new school and renovation of the maternity ward, which is now rundown.  

Tongai Madunde, the acting town secretary, declined to comment on the matter but hinted that specific procedures must be followed for land allocation, which he did not disclose. 

He, however, had not responded at the time of publishing. 

Sources within the council suggested that the town secretary was blocking Tsvangirai because he is a legislator from the opposition Citizen Coalition for Change (CCC).

Residents have expressed growing frustration with the political gridlock, arguing that political differences must not stall development.

Lee Chitiyo, a Kingsdale resident, expressed concern over the council’s resistance to the project, highlighting the struggles of rural learners who are forced to walk long distances to access schools and would have benefited from the CDF project. 

“Currently, rural learners from Lydiate, Skey and Highfield Farm are being forced to walk longer distances to attend schools such as Saint Eric and Vimbai High school, and we have the girl child who is also travelling far for an education. 

“We have heard of a man who raped (several) women who were looking for firewood (in the area). What more for a female learner who is in secondary school? 

“The planned school would reduce the distance to about three kilometres,” said Chitiyo. 

“This is toxic politics,” Chitiyo added. “We need development, not political games.”

Letter from Tsvangirai requesting NTC to allocate land for the construction of a community school, funded by CDF funds

 

Letter from Tsvangirai requesting NTC permission to renovate Norton Hospital maternity ward toilets

 

Tsvangirai, in an interview, accused the NTC of deliberately obstructing the intended projects. 

“It is deeply frustrating and unacceptable that the Norton Town Council is deliberately obstructing initiatives aimed at improving our community’s well-being. 

“The construction of a new school and the renovation of the maternity ward at Norton Hospital are critical projects that would provide much-needed services to our people,” said Tsvangirai. 

“These initiatives, funded through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), are meant to directly benefit Norton residents, yet we continue to face unnecessary roadblocks from individuals who seem more interested in protecting their personal agendas than serving the community,” added the lawmaker. 

“The council’s lack of transparency and cooperation is a clear indication of the incompetence and misplaced priorities that have plagued Norton for too long. 

“Our people deserve better, and I will not sit back and allow bureaucracy and inefficiency to stand in the way of progress. 

“I will continue to push for accountability and demand answers from the council on why they are hindering development that would uplift the lives of Norton residents,” he said. 

A Kingsdale resident that preferred anonymity revealed that, during a meeting with the NTC mayor, Action Mataruse and Madunde, the latter acknowledged that the development could not proceed without approval from the Zanu PF government, as the ward is considered a ruling party stronghold.

 Mataruse declined to comment on the matter. 

Leave A Reply

Your email address will not be published.

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Accept Read More

Privacy & Cookies Policy