Selective Disclosure, Manyonga Ducks Questions

By Shingirai Vambe

The Zimbabwe National Water Authority (Zinwa) has been under fire lately, and their spokesperson, Marjorie Manyonga, hasn’t helped matters by sidestepping key questions about their operations and mandate. Instead of addressing concerns about revenue collection, dam management, and construction targets, Manyonga chose to focus on the growing debt owed to Zinwa.

This lack of transparency has raised eyebrows, especially since many of Zinwa’s customers claim to be receiving subpar service. Rural councils have also voiced concerns about poor irrigation systems and inadequate water supply, which have resulted in farmers struggling to produce crops. The Chipinge incident is a prime example of Zinwa’s neglect, and the public is demanding answers.

To make matters worse, Zinwa’s failure to address these concerns has raised questions about their priorities. Are they more concerned with collecting revenue than providing adequate services to their customers? With over 100 major dams in Zimbabwe, it’s shocking that farmers continue to struggle to produce crops, despite the country’s reliance on rainfall in the face of rapid climate change.

Zinwa’s role in Zimbabwe’s water management is crucial, and their lack of transparency is unacceptable. The people of Zimbabwe deserve answers, and it’s time for Zinwa to take responsibility for their actions. As Manyonga herself said, “there is no private ownership of water in Zimbabwe”, so it’s time for Zinwa to prioritize the needs of the people over their own interests.