On the 28th of April 2021, nine members of Masvingo Residents Forum (MRF) consisting of 5 brave women and 4 men who staged a peaceful demonstration against the continuous water challenges faced by residents and ratepayers within the city appeared in court . The matter was postponed to 26 May for trial at Masvingo Magistrate court. The MRF members brought their empty buckets at council offices and were arrested. The nine MRF members (Prosper Tiringindi, R Mavhenge, A Mufamba ward 5 chairperson, Mataga Clara, Christine Mukuma, Viola Masuma, Kudzai Chamunorwa, Matter Zigwata and Leeroy Taylor) are being charged with contravening Section 37 of the Criminal Law Codification, participating in unlawful gathering with intent to promote public violence. The water crisis has caused a lot of damage to both the social and economic development within the communities and women in particular the availability of water is vital towards women empowerment.
Residents are now entering into the 4th week without water. Residents were shocked by Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) which rejected a transformer from Delta Beverages. The city has introduced bowsers which supply residents, clinics, schools with water though many are receiving nothing. The MCC has a scheduled timetable for bowsers up to 10pm. Many residents argued that they would be afraid of being arrested for violating curfew on their way from water points. The scheduled time is not favourable for girl child and women as it will be late. The time exposed them to all sorts of abuse at water points and on their way home. MRF wrote a letter to the council concerning the time they deliver water to residents after curfew hours. In their reply the city town clerk appreciated the concerns and agreed to adjust the time table.
Source: Masvingo Residents Forum
