Martin Muleya
Dangamvura Ward 15 youths have expressed disappointment and frustration with their elected councillor whom they accuse of failing to hold feedback meetings.
Councillor Itayitenzi Chisoni who won the ward on Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) ticket now represents the ward at the Townhouse.
This lack of communication has left the youths in the dark about the status of the local clinic, which was built by the council but recently declared unrecognized by the Government according to the Auditor General’s report. Those who spoke with this publication on the sidelines of a Manica Youths Assembly (MAYA) engagement meeting held under the theme ‘Strengthening Inclusive Youth Participation and Agency In Local Public Service In Mutare District ‘ accused Chisoni of not being transparent.
“As youths we are eager to know what actions council is taking to address service delivery issues and ensure that Gimboki community receives the healthcare services we need.
“Our councillor is not transparent, had it been a case that he had integrity he would bring feedback to us as our representative but we only hear of our fate as a community through social media,” said Gracious Munyoro.
Another local resident in Gimboki Shane Chinowawa (17) had no kind words for the local authority as he mentioned that council was reluctant to recognize Gimboki South as a community within it’s jurisdiction.
“Are we even considered by our council as a community in Mutare. They imposed a councillor on us but we see no development here,” weighed in Chinowawa.
Cllr Chisoni upon quizzed by this reporter highlighted that he could only hold feed back meetings when there are issues to discuss.
“Full council meeting is council business not for the residents. I am a policy maker and I can’t discharge issues we are planning until we have executed them.
Gimboki clinic in question was built using resources from the council, which was supposed to serve the healthcare needs of the community. However, with the Auditor General’s report 2022 declared it unrecognized, and thus the youths are worried about the implications for their health and wellbeing. They are seeking transparency and accountability from Cllr Chisoni , whom they feel has failed to provide adequate feedback and updates on the matter.
Acting Mutare Town Clerk Blessing Chafesuka doused the fire as he sang from a different hymn book.
The clinic was not declared non existent but registration is a process just in schools when you have a new school it can initially operate as a satellite to another until it is given its own registration. The registration is also a long process which was still in progress when audit was done. The good thing is the clinic is now registered,” Chafesuka said.
By holding feedback meetings, the council can address the concerns of the youths, provide clarity on the next steps, and work together to find a solution that benefits the community.
