By Correspondent
Norton Ward 7 Councillor Tinashe Machemedze has two cellphones which he uses to interact with residents in his Ward and the wider Norton.
Both are constantly vibrating, the sound of new messages funneling in from across the town.
Ever since he assumed office his role has grown beyond the portfolio of what a Councillor is actually mandated to do.
“If I were to show you, most of these messages are about people facing personal challenges.
“A Councillor is not just about service delivery.
“After winning I had to quickly adjust to this new realization that I have to be many things to different people.
“Whenever, someone passes away, people rush to the Councillor.
“The same when an accident occurs, someone needs a job, financial issues, you need to have a big heart,” he says.
Machemedze says the task is more about self-actualization and a heart to serve.
Financially there isn’t any money to make.
“Do you know that I get around 500ZiG.
“That is around US$38 which can only pay for a single grave.
“As things stand I’m no longer getting it because I owe Council for 8 other graves which I got residents who passed away.
Machemedze’s Social Support
However, Machemedze has been up to the task with an array of programs and activities to support the community.
He organised and funded a Back to School Program at the beginning of the year.
It provided more than 300 children uniforms, books and a variety of education materials.
He also runs a support scheme for those with various health conditions such as BP and Sugar Diabetes.
This month Machemedze is also organizing a blanket donations program.
He will be donating 100 blankets to Norton Hospital and also to the elderly in Norton.
The weight of the activities hasn’t been easy and Machemedze feels Government should chip in.
“I would advise that government increase the allowances which we receive.
“There is a huge financial burden when one is a Councillor.
“MPs control the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), get a vehicle and an assortment of financial incentives.
“However, most of their time they are in Mt Hampden on Parliament business, not on the ground.
“This is unlike the Councillor who is always on the ground here dealing with the needs and challenges people face.
“Unlike an MP, it’s a travesty for me to miss a community funeral and support it.
Building Norton
Despite all these challenge Machemedze contends that helping his community is a priceless task.
“I was born and grew up here.
“Therefore, being thrust into a position to make a difference is an empowering pedestal that I cherish.
“I hope to see Norton changing for the better as we pursue various developmental initiatives.
Foremost for the town is the Water Plant issue which has dragged for years.
Machemedze is forthright in admitting that NTC has no capacity to guild a Water Plant.
However, he says they will soon be launching a pilot project for a water system that uses water tanks piped into houses.
“After that we shall see how effective and scalable it is for the rest of Norton.
“A Water Plant requires some form of partnership with private players.
With so much on his plate to do Machemedze is eager to explore evey possible angle to get support.
“That’s how we can escape from this present state,” he says.
