Corruption and lack of resources plague Operation Garikai in Gwanda

By Tererai Karimakwenda
13 February 2006

After the government demolished homes and businesses in the so-called “cleanup” Operation Murambatsvina in 2005, promises were made to provide housing for the nearly one million families that had been left homeless. Critics questioned the practicality of embarking on such a programme, when resources were already scarce and the country was struggling to acquire basic commodities such as food and fuel. But as usual, government ignored advice from experts and other stakeholders, and began making plans to build houses around the country. But now this housing scheme, known as Operation Garikai/Hlalani Kuhle, is reported to have stalled. A lack of funds and resources have foiled the construction phase, and corruption in the selection of beneficiaries has been reported countrywide.

Journalist Warren Moroka travelled to Gwanda this week and visited the sites where construction of houses for the demolition victims is supposed to be taking place. Moroka said there was no activity in progress and most of the houses there are not complete. Some structures have no doors or roofing and there is no electricity, water or a reticulation system. In short, Moroka said the houses are inhabitable. As for the selection of beneficiaries, Moroka said there are allegations that civil servants, police and military personnel, and relatives of government officials were being given houses under Garikai. In Gwanda, MP Abednigo Ncube’s 2 children are alleged to have received houses, and it is believed the intended recipients are largely still living in squatter camps without running water or sanitation.

Moroka said this is the same problem plaguing Garikai in Beitbridge. Home Affairs minister Kembo Mohade, who represents Beitbridge in parliament, even called for the total revision of the selection process, arguing that it was mired in corruption. Moroka visited the mayor of Gwanda on Monday, and reports that the mayor also agrees there needs to be a change in the way beneficiaries are chosen. As for construction, Moroka said it will take 15 billion Zimbabwe dollars to build a sewage system, and 12 billion Zimbabwe dollars for the water and reticulation system. Doctors have expressed concern that water borne diseases like cholera and dysentery will continue to take lives and spread if clean water and sewage are not made a priority by government. No plan to resolve this problem has been revealed by officials, and residents’ organisations have not been consulted.