16/01/2026
Dear Hon Leslie Mhangwa Chinhoyi Constituency
OPEN LETTER TO THE MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT FOR CHINHOYI
RE: URGENT SERVICE DELIVERY FAILURES AND CONSTITUTIONAL BREACHES BY CHINHOYI MUNICIPALITY – 2025
To:
Honourable L. Mnangagwa
Member of Parliament – Chinhoyi
Parliament of Zimbabwe
From:
Concerned Residents of Chinhoyi Municipality
Date:16 January 2026
HONOURABLE MEMBER,
We write this open letter to you in your capacity as the elected Member of Parliament for Chinhoyi, entrusted under the Constitution of Zimbabwe to represent, protect, and advance the interests and welfare of the people of Chinhoyi.
This letter is written pursuant to Sections 13, 62, 73, 77, 194, and 274 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe (Amendment No. 20) Act, 2013, read together with the Urban Councils Act [Chapter 29:15].
1. BACKGROUND AND CONSTITUTIONAL CONTEXT
Honourable Member, residents of Chinhoyi are currently enduring a sustained collapse of basic municipal service delivery. These failures, which intensified during 2024–2025, have directly infringed upon constitutionally guaranteed rights, particularly the right to safe, clean, and potable water, the right to a clean and healthy environment, and the principles of accountable public administration.
Despite repeated complaints to local authorities, meaningful corrective action has not been forthcoming. We therefore turn to your office for urgent parliamentary and executive intervention.
2. SUMMARY OF CRITICAL FAILURES AFFECTING RESIDENTS
A. WATER, SANITATION & PUBLIC HEALTH CRISIS
Persistent and prolonged water shortages across most suburbs, in violation of Section 77 of the Constitution
Supply of unsafe and contaminated drinking water, exposing residents to serious health risks
Frequent sewage bursts and overflows into residential areas
Discharge of untreated sewage into rivers and streams, contrary to Section 73 (Environmental Rights)
Inadequate and obsolete water and sewage treatment infrastructure
Delayed response to sewer blockages, increasing disease risk
Failure to develop alternative water sources such as boreholes
B. ROADS, INFRASTRUCTURE & PUBLIC SAFETY
Severe deterioration of municipal roads and widespread potholes
Increased road accidents and vehicle damage due to poor maintenance
Failure to utilise ZINARA road funds and fuel allocations
Poor storm-water drainage resulting in flooding and property damage
C. WASTE MANAGEMENT & ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION
Irregular refuse collection and unmanaged dumpsites
Pollution of rivers and open spaces
Weak enforcement of environmental health regulations
3. GOVERNANCE, FINANCIAL MISMANAGEMENT & ACCOUNTABILITY CONCERNS
Allegations of corruption and abuse of office within Chinhoyi Municipality, contrary to Section 194 of the Constitution
Mismanagement and unlawful occupation of council-owned properties
Failure to collect rentals, rates, and municipal fees, resulting in loss of public revenue
Lack of transparency in budgeting and expenditure, in breach of Section 62 (Right of Access to Information)
Failure to publish audited financial statements timeously
Weak accountability mechanisms and ineffective supervision of contractors
4. IMPACT ON THE COMMUNITY
The above failures have resulted in:
Increased outbreaks and risk of water-borne diseases
Financial strain on households forced to source private water
Damage to vehicles, homes, and livelihoods
Environmental degradation affecting current and future generations
Severe erosion of public trust in local governance
5. OUR APPEAL AND REQUEST TO YOUR OFFICE
Honourable Member, in terms of your constitutional mandate, we respectfully request that you:
Raise this matter in Parliament and with the Portfolio Committee on Local Government
Engage the Minister of Local Government and Public Works to demand urgent corrective action
Call for an independent forensic audit of Chinhoyi Municipality’s finances and properties
Advocate for immediate restoration of safe, reliable water supply to all suburbs
Demand transparent utilisation of ZINARA road funds
Facilitate meaningful public engagement meetings between residents and authorities
6. CONCLUSION
This open letter is written in good faith and in the public interest. Continued inaction will amount to a sustained violation of residents’ constitutional rights. We therefore urge you, Honourable Member, to act decisively and without delay in defence of the people you represent.
We trust that your office will treat this matter with the seriousness and urgency it deserves.
SIGNED:
Concerned Residents of Chinhoyi Municipality
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