Itai Mazire

The resort city of Victoria Falls yesterday marked a pivotal moment in its urban development, as the Government officially commissioned significant new water storage infrastructure and refuse collection equipment.

This strategic investment shows a robust commitment to enhancing service delivery and improving the quality of life for its residents.

Presiding over the ceremony, Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Hon. Daniel Garwe, unveiled a state-of-the-art 5 000 cubic meter (5 Mega Litres) ground water reservoir and a 750 cubic meter (0.75 Mega Litres) elevated reservoir.

Complementing these vital water assets were two new refuse collection trucks, signaling a comprehensive approach to urban infrastructure improvement.

The newly commissioned water infrastructure, a substantial investment of approximately USD 5 million, represents the crucial first phase of the city’s ambitious USD 18 million Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Programme.

This project is poised to dramatically boost water storage capacity, ensuring a more consistent and reliable supply for an estimated 25 000 residents.

During his address, Hon. Garwe articulated the broader significance of these developments, stating that they transcend mere physical construction to embody a profound advancement in service delivery and Zimbabwe’s national development trajectory.

“Development does not always announce itself through grand monuments. Sometimes it is reflected in the simple, everyday realities, the turning of a tap or the cleanliness of our streets,” said Hon. Garwe.

He acknowledged the historical challenges faced by Victoria Falls residents, including intermittent water supply exacerbated by limited storage capacity and a growing population.

He emphasised that the new infrastructure serves as a decisive intervention to rectify these long-standing issues, highlighting the indispensable role of reliable water supply in fostering public health, stimulating economic activity, and bolstering tourism, especially for a city renowned globally for its natural wonders.

In a further boost to urban services, the City of Victoria Falls also introduced two new refuse collection trucks to fortify its solid waste management capabilities.

One truck, with a 15 cubic meter capacity, was procured through the city’s own financial resources, while the other, an 18 cubic meter capacity vehicle, was generously donated by African Sun as part of its corporate social responsibility initiative.

Hon. Garwe lauded this exemplary partnership between the local authority and the private sector, presenting it as a tangible illustration of how collaborative efforts can accelerate progress.

“This partnership demonstrates that sustainable development is best achieved when Government, local authorities and the private sector work together.”

Hon. Garwe also commended the City of Victoria Falls for its prudent financial management and forward-thinking strategic planning, underscoring its unwavering commitment to enhancing service delivery and its adoption of the Minimum Service Delivery Standards Framework.

He noted that these advancements are in perfect alignment with the national vision championed by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, which champions self-reliance and inclusive development under the inspiring mantra, “Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo / Ilizwe lakhiwa ngabanikazi balo.”

Hon. Garwe further elaborated that the project significantly contributes to the nation’s overarching development agenda, including National Development Strategy 2 and Vision 2030, both aimed at transforming Zimbabwe into an upper middle-income economy.

He stressed the critical importance of maintaining elevated urban service standards in Victoria Falls, given its international tourism stature, asserting that pristine environments, dependable water supply, and modern infrastructure are fundamental to sustaining economic prosperity.

Hon. Garwe highlighted the initiative’s resonance with international development frameworks, particularly the Sustainable Development Goals focused on clean water and sustainable cities.

He said that the ultimate measure of development is reflected in the tangible improvements to citizens’ daily lives.

“Development must ultimately be seen in the quality of life of our people, when households receive reliable water, when communities are clean, and when services respond effectively.”

This commissioning marks yet another significant milestone, firmly positioning Victoria Falls as a model for sustainable urban development, driven by efficient and reliable service delivery.

Itai Mazire

In a groundbreaking medical achievement, paediatric surgeons at Parirenyatwa Hospital have successfully performed a complex, life-saving operation on a young patient battling Wilms tumor in both kidneys.

This highly specialised procedure, a first of its kind at the institution, has not only freed the child from cancer but also preserved enough kidney function to avert the need for lifelong dialysis, offering a beacon of hope to families facing similar devastating diagnoses.

The intricate surgery was led by a dedicated team of specialists, including paediatric surgeons Dr. Muparadzi and Dr. Moyo.

The operation involved a delicate nephron-sparing procedure on one kidney, designed to retain healthy tissue, and a radical nephrectomy (complete removal) on the other.

This dual approach is critical for bilateral Wilms tumor, a rare and aggressive childhood cancer that typically affects only one kidney, occurring in just 5-10 percent of cases.

“This is a monumental step forward for paediatric oncology in Zimbabwe. Our team’s ability to perform a nephron-sparing operation while eradicating the cancer means this child has a chance at a full, healthy life without the burden of dialysis,” stated a medical expert at the institution.

Harare, Zimbabwe – A chilling crisis is unfolding in the high-density suburbs of Hopley and Southlea Park, where a disturbing surge in unsafe abortions, rampant baby dumping, and drug-fueled violence is threatening the very fabric of society and, most tragically, the future of our younger generation.

Hurumende News Hub demands immediate and decisive action as police link this escalating depravity directly to the scourge of drug and substance abuse.

The alarming increase in cases of women resorting to dangerous abortions and the callous abandonment of newborn babies has not gone unnoticed by law enforcement. Police sources indicate a direct correlation between these heartbreaking incidents and the pervasive abuse of drugs and illicit substances within these communities. This is not merely a social ill; it is a direct assault on the sanctity of life and the well-being of our children.

Even more horrifying are the reports of women being brutally abused and raped by men, the vast majority of whom are under the influence of drugs, often sex-enhancing narcotics. These predators, some brazenly using local cemeteries as their hunting grounds under the cover of night, are turning once sacred spaces into scenes of unspeakable terror. This is a direct consequence of unchecked drug abuse, which strips individuals of their humanity and unleashes a wave of violence upon the most vulnerable.

During a recent drugs and substance abuse awareness campaign, the Officer Commanding Mbare District, Chief Superintendent Runwell Chipfurutse, issued a desperate plea to residents: respect the sanctity of life and protect future generations. “We cannot fold our hands and watch the future leaders of this country being destroyed through abortions, baby dumping and murder,” he declared, highlighting the gravity of the situation. His words underscore the profound concern that this crisis is not just about crime, but about the systematic erosion of our nation’s potential.

Chief Supt Chipfurutse explicitly linked the violence against women to drug abuse: “Women are being raped and sexually abused by men who abuse some drugs. These men use sex-enhancers, misbehave and end up causing unwanted pregnancies.” He reiterated the shocking reality of criminals exploiting the cemetery as a “nest for raping women passing through by during the night.” This is an abomination that demands an immediate and robust response from all stakeholders.

The police chief also raised concerns about the broader impact of drug abuse on public safety, noting an increase in drunken individuals being involved in road accidents. He warned against the dangers faced by youth, particularly those engrossed in their cellphones and headphones while crossing roads, urging parents to accompany their children to ensure their safety as schools prepare to reopen. This paints a grim picture of a community where vigilance is constantly required, even for the simplest acts of daily life.

While Member of Parliament for Harare South, Honourable Trymore Kanopula, commended the police leadership for their efforts, including recent arrests and convictions of criminals and a notorious drug lord, the underlying systemic issues remain. The community’s appreciation for police intervention is clear, but it is not enough. This crisis demands a multi-faceted approach that tackles the root causes of drug abuse, provides support for victims, and ensures that the future of Hopley and Southlea Park’s youth is not sacrificed on the altar of addiction and neglect.

Hurumende News Hub calls for sustained action, not just temporary interventions, to reclaim these communities for their rightful inheritors: the children.