Staff Reporter

In a development that has stirred controversy within the Epworth community, Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) Councillor, Chamunorwa Tembo of Epworth North is reportedly orchestrating a bold strategy to revamp the borehole management committee in his ward in order to gain political mileage.

A source close to the matter has informed the Harare Post that Tembo plans to replace existing committee members with individuals loyal to his party, signalling a significant shift in the control and management of vital water resources.

The same source revealed that Tembo's primary objective is to gain exclusive control over the borehole committee, effectively removing any individuals not affiliated with the CCC.

This manoeuvre, according to the source, is driven by the desire to leverage on the boreholes for personal and political gain.

"Chamunorwa wants to take complete control of the borehole committee and eliminate anyone who is not aligned with the CCC. His aim is to operate without scrutiny and potentially use the boreholes to his advantage," the source disclosed.

The alleged scheme revolves around the five boreholes drilled as part of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s Presidential Borehole Drilling Scheme, launched in March 2022 in Epworth.

Tembo is purportedly planning a fundraising initiative, charging households US$3 each per month to fetch water from the boreholes, with proceeds reportedly earmarked for CCC's political endeavours.

"He is plotting to use these boreholes as a fundraising tool. The fear is that the funds raised might not be utilised for the community, but rather for CCC's political activities," the source added, expressing concerns over Tembo's manoeuvres to upstage the current committee's oversight functions.

This development has raised eyebrows among the residents of Epworth, who have been the primary beneficiaries of these boreholes. The community, which previously struggled with access to clean water, views these boreholes as a lifeline.

"These boreholes were meant to improve the lives of our community members, not to be exploited for political purposes. Chamunorwa's plan could backfire, potentially diminishing his standing among the residents who heavily rely on this essential service," the source noted.

This controversy emerges amidst a backdrop of internal strife within the CCC, marked by accusations of candidate imposition and disregard for local constituents' wishes.

The leadership's alleged preference for handpicking candidates over community consensus has sparked frustration and division, casting a shadow over that party's internal dynamics and its engagement with the communities it represents.