By Correspondent
A political storm is brewing in Marondera after Zanu PF reportedly rolled out a Presidential borehole drilling scheme just days before Parliament debates the controversial Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3.
The involvement of CCC members, including Organising Secretary Francis Badza, has raised serious concerns that the opposition has been compromised.
Critics are questioning why opposition figures are appearing alongside Zanu PF officials during a politically sensitive period.
Ahead of the commissioning ceremony, various ruling party and opposition officials toured the site of the event.
They included Zanu PF Marondera District Coordinating Committee Chairperson Shepherd Kaserera, CCC national organising secretary Francis Badzarigere, Marondera Mayor Chengetayi Murowa and Ward 3 councillor Joel Munjaranji.
They expressed optimism over the expected turnout.
“This is a Presidential borehole drilling scheme spearheaded by Presidential adviser Paul Tungwarara, which was drilled here in Marondera Central Ward 1,” said Badzarigere.
Residents confirmed that drilling equipment and party activists have recently moved through several communities, promising improved water access under what is being presented as a Zanu PF empowerment initiative.
However, the timing has triggered criticism.
It’s coming a few days before legislators debate the Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3.
Political observers argue that the development creates the perception that community projects are being used to build support for the amendments.
The controversy deepened after a campaign poster supporting the amendments surfaced, carrying the image of Marondera Central legislator Caston Matewu.
However, Matewu later distanced himself from it, saying he had not authorised the poster.
Controversial Program
Launched in December 2022, the programme aims to drill one borehole per village.
This is meant to ensure access to clean and safe water for communities, schools, and agricultural projects.
By mid-2025, the Government had successfully drilled over 4 000 boreholes under the Presidential Rural Development Programme (PRDP).
Meanwhile, the Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (RIDA) has drilled over 45 000, enhancing living conditions and promoting sustainable development across the nation.
However, the initiative has been criticised for celebrating regression at a time when potable water should be readily available for citizens.
The abuse of the initiative for political expediency by ZANU-PF members such as Tungwarara has also tainted the program.
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