By Correspondent
Marondera is struggling to choose a partner to upgrade its water and sewer system as previous agreements have failed to yield results.
The authority last year invited potential investors to bid for the project.
It received overwhelming responses and is now stumped for choice with fears many are briefcase entities.
Marondera municipality mayor Councilor Chengetai Murowa confirmed the development.
“We received an overwhelming responses after we held an indaba investor to address issues of road, water and sewer reticulation.
One of the aspiring investors Almaxtec Consulting, in partnership with Australian-based company Almax Devine Care, has pressured for the tender promising results.
Almaxtec Consulting managing director Mr Wonderful Chagona said they aim to deliver comprehensive turnkey solutions.
“In undertaking the works on the Marondera Water Treatment Plants and the road repair and upgrade projects, we intend to form joint ventures with one or more Australian companies.
“These have demonstrated interest and capabilities in water treatment and road infrastructure projects,” he said.
History of Investors
Marondera has struggled with investors with very little to show after previous engagements.
In 2015, the African Water Facility (AWF) gave government a €2 million ($2,25m) grant.
It was aimed at developing an Integrated Urban Water Management Master-plan for Marondera.
Ideally, it would result in universal access to drinking water and sanitation by 2025.
The deal failed to produce results.
In 2016 the African Development Bank (AFDB) approved a 2 million pounds facility to upgrade the same water plant.
The money was released in tranches with the last one of US$520 000 coming in 2020.
The funds were divided into two phases, with phase one gobbling US$477 000.
However, the funds failed to bring change to the water system with challenges persisting.
The same has continued with Devolution Funds which have been received since 2020.
Potential Deals
From the indaba only one company is offering a Build Operate and Transfer (BOT) arrangement.
All the other companies want land in exchange for funding.
However, a previous deal with Mega Market, involving land in exchange for funding, has been a source of controversy in the town.
Such past cases have served to stall Marondera’s steps to make decisions.