SERVICE delivery failure, rising crime and poor sanitation took centre stage at recent ward 12 and ward 17 meetings in Bulawayo, where residents, police, councillors and MPs clashed over delayed response and community safety gaps.
From cable theft linked to poor tenant vetting in ward 17 to drug-related offences and illegal dumping in ward 12, locals are pushing for revived neighbourhood watch programmes and fast action from authorities.
Ward 17 residents raised concern over a surge in criminal activities, citing poor tenant vetting by some landlords as a key driver.
“The issue includes incidents of cable theft,” a resident said.
At a neighbourhood watch committee meeting, residents concurred with the councillor on the need to revive the programme to help to address security concerns within the ward.
Residents also suggested “the resumption of contributions towards the committee’s remuneration especially during the winter season.”
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Ward 17 councillor Sikhululekile Moyo expressed frustration over continued false promises and dishonesty on the part of technocrats about service delivery issues affecting her ward.
She revealed that “a well-wisher offered to rehabilitate Khami Road but the proposal letter has not been responded to for over a month.” Moyo said.
In ward 12, representatives from the ZRP, the constituency MP, the ward councillor, community leaders, and residents met to discuss key service delivery and community concerns affecting the ward.
Opening the discussion on security issues, officers from Njube Police Station addressed residents on unlawful entry and theft in ward 12.
They cautioned residents against hiding spare keys within their properties, warning that thieves exploit this practice to break-in.
The police said they were operating with limited personnel in the ward.
“The station is working with the neighbourhood to enhance vigilance and improve crime response in the community,” police said.
Police noted that private security companies operate in the ward despite wearing uniforms similar to those of the police.
In the plenary session, a ward 12 resident raised concern over drug-related offences in the area.
“Why do some suspected drug dealers appear to remain at liberty despite reports being made to the police?”
The resident called for clarity on how such cases are being handled.
In response, a police representative said drug-related activity remained widespread in ward 12.
“There is a suspected dealer in Njube who is often found without drugs during operations, limiting grounds for immediate arrest under the law,” she said.
Ward 12 councillor, Muziwakibo Masuku said it was a major issue in the area, noting its impact on public health, sanitation and the environment. Njube Entumbane legislator Prince Dube presented a breakdown of CDF.
“The fund currently stands at US$50 000 and for the current disbursement cycle, it has been converted and availed as ZIG1,5 million,” he said.
Dube presented a project list and status report on how the CDF has been used, briefing the community on completed and delivered projects.
“The solarisation of boreholes, installation of community water tanks and the drilling and equipping of boreholes,” he said.
Residents asked Dube to clarify how suppliers and contractors listed in the CDF report are engaged and selected.
“There are qualified local contractors within the community and we urge that priority be given to them when awarding projects under the fund,” he said.