COVID-19 cripples local government programmes

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Formulation of development plans which is normally done in the first and second quarter of the year has been postponed indefinitely following Covid-19 safety regulations which prompted the ban of meetings exceeding  50 people.  The deadly pandemic has disrupted the administrative activities of Local Authorities thereby affecting scheduled programs in…

Transport woes give rise to pirating in Filabusi

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The government ban of public transport vehicles to prevent the spread of the novel Coronavirus has given rise to pirate taxes in Filabusi Centre.  ZUPCO buses and kombis remain the only allowed mode of transportation. These buses go through fumigation process at least twice a day, passengers are sanitised at…

Farmers start preparing for dry season

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Farmers in Bulilima are seized with gathering hay and maize stalks to avert an impending drought crisis attributed to the effects of climate change. Over a thousand cattle and donkeys in the district succumbed to the effects of the El Nino induced drought last year. The shortage of water and…

Small scale miners struggling to adhere to COVID-19 regulations

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Some small scale mining companies are seemingly struggling to adhere to COVID-19 safety precautions at a time when positive cases are on the rise. These revelations came after a snap survey conducted by Habakkuk Trust in Bubi and Umzingwane Districts to ascertain COVID-19 compliance in the sector. Habakkuk Trust has noted…

Justice in traditional courts put on hold

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The Covid-19 pandemic has placed the justice system in limbo as traditional courts remain closed in response to the global pandemic. Traditional leaders play a key role in dispute resolution and enabling access to justice for rural communities.  Traditional leaders who spoke to Habakkuk Trust recently said they have been postponing…

Villagers stranded with medication

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Antiretroviral drugs are reportedly piling up in rural areas as parents are failing to send the critical drugs to their children and grandchildren in neighbouring South Africa and Botswana due to the COVID-19 lockdown.  ARVs are used in combating HIV and AIDS by reducing multiplication virus thereby managing the viral load…

Food aid transport fee, a burden to the vulnerable

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Rural communities in Matabeleland have expressed concerns over the transport costs incurred in receiving food handouts from Social Welfare. According to reports obtained from Habakkuk Trust Community Advocacy Action Teams, beneficiaries of the food aid are required to pay costs towards the transportation of maize. Despite the declaration of drought as a…

Rural communities struggle to adhere to lockdown funeral limits

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COVID-19 has brought significant changes in the culture and lifestyle of rural communities. The pandemic has changed the way in which people mourn and bury their loved ones as only a limited number is allowed to attend funerals.  The regulations put in place to curb the spread of the virus…

Illegal entry points a cause for concern

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Illegal entry points along the Zimbabwe-Botswana Boundary line in Bulilima may result in the unchecked community spread of Covid-19. Villagers who are engaged in menial jobs as maids and herd boys in villages in the neighbouring country are reportedly trickling back through these points.  Villagers in Bulilima Ward 10 have…

Village health workers lack personal protective equipment

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Village health workers who are also engaged in disseminating information on the novel coronavirus in rural Matabeleland are at risk of infection as they perform their primary health role with limited personal protective equipment. These essential service providers have been playing a pivotal role in bridging the information gap that exists in…