HWANGE residents have urged mining companies in the town to invest in infrastructural development. In separate interviews, residents said the majority of social amenities were in need of rehabilitation.
“When I first joined the colliery in the 1970s, the town was lively. But nothing much has changed since then. We still have the Edmand Davis Hall, the tennis courts, the number two houses with only difference being that the houses have deteriorated,” said Mr Micah Smith, one of the residents who has seen better days of the Hwange Colliery areas.
Mr Malvin Daka of the Vostile Creations Trust said there was a need for legislation to force mining companies in the area to uplift communities.
“The mining Act needs to be amended. We are saying let’s tax the rich, meaning the investors, so that the money which is taxed can be used in the provision of social services such as the health sector,” said Mr Daka.
The setup of Hwange of dual administration where there is a concession residential area and another run by the Hwange local board has played a role in influencing inequality, he argues.
Hwange urban is run by four authorities namely Hwange Colliery Company, National Railways of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe Power Company and Hwange Local Board.
“These are some of the reasons why the community of Hwange is saying let’s do away with dual administration, and have only one administration to provide for the residents equitably,” Mr Daka added.
Greater Hwange Residents Trust coordinator, Mr Fidelis Chima said the limited decision making power of the council was affecting service delivery.-Citizen Bulletin.
