Published by the government of Zimbabwe
4 July 2009
Harare — Government yesterday availed more than US$17 million to the Harare City Council and warned the local authority not to abuse the facility meant to upgrade water and sewerage infrastructure.
Earlier this week, council said Government had given it US$10 million against its request of US$17 million.
Finance Minister Tendai Biti whose ministry gave the funds yesterday, said Government had literally "drawn the money from a stone" to assist the city.
"My experience with the city is not a happy one. There is a lot of pilferage, corruption and a culture of shortchanging processes. We have literally drawn money from a stone. I hope you are going to respect us," he said imploring the city fathers to use the funds for the intended purposes.
He said the State was finalising another US$2,4 million facility for the construction of a 10km, 33kv overhead line from Norton to Morton Jaffray treatment plant and installation of a 33kv circuit breaker and isolators. He was speaking at a ceremony to record the execution of the funding agreement at his New Government Complex offices.
Minister Biti said Government had no funds and was struggling to meet its obligations.
"This Government does not have money. Our fiscal performance is 30 percent of the budgeted space. The bulk of our expenditure 70 percent is going towards allowances and salaries. We have very little for capital expenditure.
"This US$17 million represents economic gymnastics. Our desire is to restore water to Harare and in particular the University of Zimbabwe," he said.
Minister Biti said the funds should be specifically used to rehabilitate the Morton Jaffray treatment plant, repair of the water distribution network, installation of pumps at Lomagundi and Alex Park stations, upgrading of the sewer network in Highfield, Glen Norah, Budiriro, Kambuzuma, Dzivarasekwa and Kuwadzana.
Crowborough and Firle sewage treatment plants would also be covered with the funds.
He said after exhausting the funds, Government expected an increase of water production by 100 megalitres per day, reduction of water losses by 50 megalitres per day and a reduction of sewer blockages in high density areas by half.
He said the US$2,4 million that would soon be availed would ensure that that Morton Jaffray got a dedicated power line to avoid power outages.
The dedicated power line would ensure uninterrupted water supply to residents and would also guard against the damage of sensitive equipment particularly pumps, motors and instruments.
City Mayor Mr Muchadeyi Masunda defended his council against the allegations of corruption saying no cases of corruption had been recorded under his leadership.
He promised that the funds would not be abused.
"We are grateful for the magnanimous gesture. We want to assure you that the funds would be used for the intended purpose," he said.
He invited Minister Biti to visit the city's water installations and inspect development recorded using the funds. Town clerk, Dr Tendai Mahachi had promised an ambitious 90-day period to fully restore the city's water and sewer services using the funds.
On Tuesday council approved the offer, but the issue attracted intense debate in the chamber.
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