By Fanuel Chinowaita
MUTASA NORTH – Member of Parliament for Mutasa North, Hon Obey Bvute, has launched a community-driven road rehabilitation project and stepped into a heated dispute at Sagambe Primary School — but his intervention has drawn criticism from some parents who say their concerns were ignored.
On May 8, Hon Bvute met with over 150 villagers, traditional leaders, councillors, and opposition members to kickstart the rehabilitation of the Chisuko–Sagambe–Chavhanga Road. Bvute said government resources such as the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) were limited and delayed, urging local communities to spearhead development under the mantra “Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo” (a country is built by its own people).
The MP announced the first phase of the roadworks would target the stretch leading to Chavhanga. He applied for 3,000 litres of diesel from the Ministry of Transport and pledged to match that amount from his own funds. He also committed to supplying his personal JCB TLB and supporting repairs to a government grader to commence work by the end of May.
However, his visit to Sagambe Primary School the following day, intended to promote harmony has left some parents feeling sidelined.
While Bvute donated 20 bags of cement and called for professionalism, depoliticisation, and respect within the school environment, several parents say the MP failed to address the root of ongoing tensions: the continued presence of individuals implicated in a previous audit.
At the heart of the conflict is a demand by parents for the removal of two school officials; Thomas Tombo, a senior teacher, and clerk Madzunha both of whom were allegedly involved in the misuse of funds under former headmaster Mwaturura. The two were named in audit reports as having worked closely with Mwaturura in questionable financial dealings.
“The reason many parents have been withholding school fees is because they no longer trust Tombo and Madzunha. They are seen as remnants of a corrupt administration,” said one parent, who spoke on condition of anonymity. “If the MP had come to solve the issue, he should have simply advised them to step aside so the school could run smoothly again.”
Instead, some parents felt they were pressured into accepting directives and resolutions without the audit concerns being properly addressed. Resolutions passed during the meeting restricted access to school premises and emphasized compliance with government procedures — but did not mention the disputed officials.
One DCC official declared that “the party is supreme over government” and would intervene where needed to prevent policy sabotage.
Bvute’s efforts reflect his broader development drive in the constituency, but growing calls for transparency and community engagement suggest that trust and accountability remain pressing issues in both infrastructure and education in Mutasa North.