By Admore Mbonda in Kariba
A storm is brewing in the picturesque town of Kariba following a budget consultation process, revealing deep divisions among local residents’ associations.
The meeting, intended to foster community engagement and address pressing financial issues, quickly escalated into a heated debate.
At the center of the controversy was Sumsson Coffee, the spokesperson for the Kariba Urban Residents Association (KURA).
Coffee argued passionately that the executive members of residents’ associations should be property holders, emphasizing that those who own property have a vested interest in the community and should therefore lead the discussions on budget allocations. His stance resonated with many in the audience, who felt that property ownership should equate to a greater say in how local funds are spent.
However, Munyaradzi Jokonia, the interim chairperson of the Kariba Residents Trust (KARTS), took strong exception to Coffee’s claims. Without property to his name, Jokonia represented a significant segment of the community—those who rent or live in informal settlements.
He argued that the voices of all residents, regardless of property ownership, are equally important in shaping the future of Kariba. “We are all stakeholders in this community,” Jokonia asserted.
“Dismissing residents based on property ownership is not only unfair but undermines the very essence of our democracy.”
The clash came to a head as the associations discussed the proposed budget for 2025, which included a contentious 6% charge on outstanding debts and a fixed water charge of $5.
Many residents expressed their concerns over the financial burden these changes would impose, particularly on low-income families. The atmosphere grew increasingly tense as both sides argued their points passionately, with neither willing to back down.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s recent directive to councils emphasized the importance of consulting residents before approving budgets, further complicating the situation. While the intent behind the consultations was to ensure transparency and inclusivity, the reality on the ground revealed a fractured community struggling to find common ground.
As the meeting concluded without a resolution, it became evident that the clash of ideologies within Kariba’s residents’ associations was far from over.
The calls for unity and collaboration were overshadowed by the stark divisions that had emerged. Residents left the meeting with mixed feelings—some hopeful for future discussions, others frustrated by the discord.
In the weeks to come, the challenge for Kariba’s residents’ associations will be to bridge the gaps created during this budget consultation process. The community’s ability to come together, despite their differences, will determine not just the outcome of the 2025 budget but also the future of Kariba itself.
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