By Fanuel Chinowaita
Shurugwi, 29 March 2026 – Residents of Ward 7 in Shurugwi South, under Chief Nhema in Chikato, have raised serious concerns over alleged financial mismanagement, lack of transparency, and coercive practices by local leadership.
The complaints are directed at ward councillor Jabulani Muzwezwe, with residents also referencing development support linked to Member of Parliament Wilson Mhuri.
According to residents, the ward collected US$3 per household last year for a field day event. While zonal field days were held, the main ward event did not take place. The remaining funds were reportedly set aside for future use, but residents say they are now being asked to contribute additional money for the same purpose without a clear account of how the previous funds were used.
“We contributed US$3 per household last year for the field day, but the ward event never happened. Now we are being told to pay again, yet no one is explaining what happened to the money,” said one resident.
Efforts to obtain explanations have reportedly been unsuccessful, with residents claiming they are only told that the money was used without their consent.
“They just tell us the money was used, but we were never consulted. We want transparency,” another resident said.
Allegations have also emerged that a plough, said to have been purchased as a prize for last year’s field day winner, is now missing.
“We were told a plough had been bought as a prize, but up to now no one has seen it,” a villager added.
Concerns have also been raised over the construction of a mother’s shelter in the ward. Residents allege that the structure is being built without adherence to proper public construction standards, potentially putting lives at risk.
“This building is not being constructed properly. It may endanger lives, yet we are being asked to contribute more money,” said another concerned resident.
Community members say they have been asked to contribute money for cement despite reports that 60 bags were already provided by the Tongogara District Council and signed for by a local official.
Additional cement is also said to have been donated through the Constituency Development Fund by MP Wilson Mhuri, but construction has reportedly stalled.
“We were told 60 bags of cement were delivered, and more came through the MP, but we don’t know where it all went. The project is not progressing,” said a resident.
In another development, residents claim they are being forced to pay US$1 per household to fund security guards at a local clinic. Those who fail to pay are allegedly denied access to medical services.
“We are being forced to pay US$1 for clinic guards and those who don’t pay are turned away when they need treatment. This was never agreed upon,” said one resident.
With over 1,000 households in the ward, residents estimate that collections exceed the amount required to pay the guards, raising further questions about how surplus funds are being managed.
“If two guards are paid US$100 each, where is the rest of the money going? We are even asked to pay again after three months,” another resident said.
Community members have also expressed frustration over the absence of public ward meetings.
“We no longer have ward meetings. The councillor just sends village heads to collect money and threaten us instead of addressing us directly,” said a resident.
Some village heads have reportedly resisted the collections, calling for the councillor to convene a public meeting.
“Some of us have refused to force people to pay. The councillor must call a meeting and speak to the people,” said one village head.
However, residents say no such meeting has been held, and demands for payment continue.
Efforts to get a comment from the accused were fruitless.
Residents are now calling for transparency, accountability, and proper engagement from their local leadership.