By Rutendo Jiri
The Harare Post has learnt of a daring syndicate of scrupulous employment agencies who are allegedly swindling unsuspecting villagers of their hard earned money in botched job deals in the Batoka Gorge Hydro-Electric Scheme (BGHES).
The BGHES, a joint venture between Zimbabwe and Zambia which is still at the feasibility stage is expected to be complete by 2026.
However, daring individuals who have formed employment agencies are allegedly taking money from villagers from Hwange, Jambezi and other surrounding villages on the promise they would secure jobs on their behalf.
A presser released by the BGHES, Chief Executive, Munyaradzi Munodawafa confirmed the above and cautioned unsuspecting job seekers of the unscrupulous syndicates. “People purporting to be recruitment agents appointed by the authority or the developer are illegally registering and collecting monies from unsuspecting members of the public. consequently, inhabitants of the said riparian communities are advised to be vigilant and guard against these malicious persons whose intent is to swindle them out of their hard-earned income. Such individuals should be reported to the nearest law enforcement agencies. The Authority has not and will not appoint any recruitment agents for purposes of recruiting workers on its behalf or indeed on behalf of the Developer.
“All employment opportunities i.e. professional, skilled and unskilled will be publicised through the mass media and traditional leadership in the project area when the project construction works approach commencement. Consequently, inhabitants of the said riparian communities are advised to be vigilant and guard against these malicious persons whose intent is to swindle them out of their hard-earned income,” said Munodawafa.
He advised employment seekers to follow official channels when seeking to be employed in the Scheme.
When completed the BGHES is expected to generate 2 400 megawatts of electricity.
The BGHES is managed by the Zambezi River Authority (ZRA) and is located approximately 54 km downstream of the Victoria Waterfalls.
The Scheme is expected to strengthen relations between Zambia and Zimbabwe and bring about economic benefits to both countries.
