By Fanuel Chinowaita
Odzi, 6 November 2025 – Villagers in Kusena, Odzi, are accusing their local councillor, Pardon Mkwakwami of ZANU PF, of diverting government-funded borehole equipment meant for their community to another area and his own home, leaving them without access to clean water.
The residents claim that a borehole was drilled in Kusena under a government program, but no water was found. Despite promises to fence the garden and complete the water project, solar panels and water tanks intended for Kusena were allegedly taken to Chikara and the councillor’s homestead.
“In the whole of our area, we do not have a single borehole from the government,” said one villager, who requested anonymity. “We were told there were four tanks. Instead of relocating them to Kusena School, which was the best place, the councillor decided to move them far away. People are afraid to question him because of his political influence.”
When contacted by The Wasu Post, Councillor Mkwakwami dismissed the allegations, insisting the relocation was based on technical reasons rather than politics.
“The issue that it was removed because of political reasons is a lie,” he said. “The water failed to be contained at the original site in Musandishowa village, not Kusena. I spoke to the MP, and we agreed to move the project about 400 meters away. The community is helping with the new installation at the school.”
Mkwakwami further alleged that one of the tanks was stolen on October 19, 2025, while he was attending a funeral in Chipinge. “I reported the theft to the police and informed the MP’s secretary. One tank was stolen, but it’s not true that I took anything for myself,” he said.
However, Chikara Primary School Headmaster Mr. Moyo confirmed that part of the solar system and two JoJo tanks were installed at his school. “Yes, he installed them at Chikara Primary,” he said.
Despite the councillor’s explanation, villagers remain unconvinced, saying there was no transparency or consultation in the relocation of the equipment.
“But why move them at the expense of villagers?” one resident asked. “Transparency and accountability are lacking in the way this program was handled.”
The dispute has exposed tensions between local authorities and communities over the management of rural water projects, which many residents say are often politicized and poorly monitored.