Chipinge youths seek redress over stands

ZANU-PF youths in Chipinge district who were allegedly fleeced of thousands of dollars by former provincial youth leader Mubuso Chinguno after being promised residential stands have approached Chipinge Town Council seeking a resolution to the issue.

The youths, who were represented by ward chairpersons in the district, were expected to sign an agreement with the local authority on Friday on the way forward.

Initially, Chipinge Town Council offered 150 hectares, while the rural district council availed 50 hectares at Checheche Growth Point for residential property development for the youths.

Chipinge RDC chairperson Councillor Phenious Muzamana said the local authorities would now superintend over the disbursement of the stands.

“Yes, I can confirm that we are currently in dialogue with youth representatives on how the land will be allocated,” he said. “The Chipinge local authority and youth representatives are set to sign a Memorandum of Understanding this Friday on how the stands will be allocated.

“In the MOU, council, which is the custodian of the land, will take over the dayto-day running of the stands and all payments will be made at the local authority’s offices.”

A youth representative, Mr Innocent Simango of Ward 5, said the move taken by the youths to engage council was set to bring closure to the contentious matter.

“Many youths were crying foul after they lost their hard-earned cash after paying subscription fees,” he said. “We have now agreed to engage the local authority, which will receipt all the payments.

“We are saying what was stolen was the money, not stands, so there is no way we cannot be allocated our stands. We are currently negotiating on subscription fees, which we think will be finalised this week.”

It is estimated that thousands of youths lost over $100 000 in paid subscriptions last year after allegedly being fleeced by Mr Chinguno.