A 31-year-old man from Belvedere, Harare, was arrested last week by the Southern Africa Regional Anti-Corruption Organisation (SARACO) for allegedly scamming victims by falsely claiming to drill boreholes for US$350 through a programme he claimed was endorsed by President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Zion Christian Church (ZCC) leader Samuel Mutendi.
Perfectman Dhafete faces charges under Section 137 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act [Chapter 9:23], that is, theft by false pretences, fraud, and false advertising.
The scam involved deception and misrepresentation, as Dhafete falsely claimed to be affiliated with both the President and Bishop Mutendi while pretending to offer borehole drilling services under a non-existent programme.
He allegedly collected money from victims without delivering any services.
Complainants Clapperton Mucheki and Rosemary Chakacha reported losing money to Dhafete and an accomplice, Susan Sibanda, who remains at large.
SARACO apprehended Dhafete at Harare Gardens, where he admitted to collecting money from the complainants.
He appeared before a Harare magistrate and was granted $80 bail, with his next court appearance scheduled for October 24, 2024.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

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A man in Harare pretended he could dig boreholes for people for money. He said the program was supported by the President and a church leader. He took money from people but didn't do the work. He got caught by the police and admitted to taking the money. He was given bail and will go to court in 2024. His accomplice is still on the run. Don't believe everything people tell you, always be cautious.

Harare Man Defrauds Residents In Fake Presidential Borehole Drilling Scheme

The government has issued a strong warning to people drilling boreholes in the Upper Gwayi Sub-Catchment area of Matabeleland North Province without proper registration with the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA).
In a notice dated September 12, which was seen by <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200032435/govt-raids-borehole-owners-unregistered-ones-to-pay-us150-fine">NewsDay</a>, the Upper Gwayi Sub-Catchment Council outlined the requirements for registering boreholes and wells and warned that those who fail to follow the proper procedures will be fined heavily.
The notice, which one D Mapolisa signed, was posted at Mhlahlandlela Government Complex in Bulawayo. It reads:
<blockquote>
Do you have a well or borehole? Is the well or borehole registered with the Upper Gwayi Sub-Catchment Council?
If your answers are yes to question 1 and no to question 2, please visit our offices and register your well or borehole and pay outstanding levies.
Failure to do so will attract legal penalties as stipulated in Statutory Instrument 206 of 2001 and section 118 of the Water Act [Chapter 20:24].
Please be advised that it is illegal to use water from a well/ borehole without a permit. You are advised to respond to this notice within seven days.
Every visit to your property will attract a non-compliance fee of US$150 if you fail to respond within the stipulated days. Consider this your first visit.
</blockquote>
Contacted for comment by NewsDay, ZINWA spokesperson Marjorie Munyonga said the water authority could not vouch for the authenticity of the letter in question.
However, she clarified that the Upper Gwayi Sub-Catchment Council is a legitimate organisation established under the Water Act.
Its duties include, among other responsibilities, the registration and monitoring of groundwater use. Said Munyonga:
<blockquote>
Sub-catchment councils, which are also legal entities separate from Zinwa, retain the responsibility of registering boreholes and issuing groundwater abstraction permits and are responsible for the maintenance of the registers for boreholes.
ZINWA only steps in to assist sub-catchment councils only in instances where they lack capacity to perform their mandate.
The public is advised that in accordance with the law, individuals or entities need to obtain authority to drill and deepen boreholes from their respective sub-catchment councils.
Boreholes drilled without registration require regularisation with sub-catchment councils as well. This ensures the sustainable utilisation of groundwater resources.
</blockquote>
According to the Water Act (Chapter 20:24) all borehole owners should register their boreholes with ZINWA or the nearest Catchment Council Offices.
All prospective borehole owners should get a permit for the drilling of a borehole from ZINWA or the nearest catchment council offices.
In 2023, Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Minister Anxious Masuka said that groundwater use, just like surface water use, is governed by the Water Act (Chapter 20:24).
He said Section 3 of the Water Act vests all water in the President while Section 4 of the same Act prohibits private ownership of water.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

People in Matabeleland North Province must register their boreholes with ZINWA. If not, they will be fined. The council is checking and warning those who didn't follow the rules. ZINWA wants everyone to ask for permission before drilling a borehole. Landowners must get a permit to use groundwater legally. The government says water belongs to everyone and that it's important to use it wisely. If caught without a permit, people will have to pay a fine. Follow the rules and protect our water resources.

Owners Of Unregistered Boreholes To Pay Hefty Fines

The Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA) says it has drilled 77 boreholes in cholera hotspots across the country out of a target of more than 140.
The Government has also mandated ZINWA to strengthen the water quality assurance tests as part of the cholera containment measures in rural and urban areas.
ZINWA corporate communications and marketing manager, Marjorie Munyonga, told the <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/140-boreholes-for-cholera-hotspots/">Chronicle</a> that they are fast-tracking the drilling of boreholes in cholera hotspots. She said:
<blockquote>
ZINWA has drilled 77 boreholes across the country to help improve the water and sanitation situation of communities as part of measures to fight cholera.
</blockquote>
Munyonga said boreholes are being drilled at institutions such as clinics, hospitals, schools and villages in cholera hotspots such as Harare, Glendale and Mapanza in Chiredzi.
The boreholes are being equipped with solar systems and bush pumps.
Munyonga said 38 boreholes have been drilled in Harare, 33 in Manicaland, three in Mashonaland West and two in Masvingo province with more expected in other parts of the country. She added:
<blockquote>
The drilling of more boreholes is in progress across the country with at least 140 boreholes having already been surveyed and ready for drilling as of January 17, 2024.
The authority has also put in place a raft of measures and strategies to help prevent the outbreak and spread of cholera in the areas where it provides potable water.
</blockquote>
Munyonga also said ZINWA has stocked water treatment chemicals for small towns, growth points and rural service centres that provide water to ensure no disruptions to the water supply. She said:
<blockquote>
All water supply stations are adequately stocked with at least three months’ supply of water treatment chemicals.
ZINWA is also stockpiling critical plant spares to help reduce stations’ downtime.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe is currently in the throes of a cholera outbreak that has so far claimed 71 lives, while more than 340 others are suspected to have succumbed to the disease.
As of 18 January 2024, the country had reported 19 090 suspected cholera cases, 2 231 confirmed cases and 18 340 recoveries.
Cholera is an acute diarrhoeal infection caused by bacteria and occurs when one consumes food and water contaminated with cholera bacteria.
The disease causes severe dehydration and diarrhoea which could lead to death within hours if untreated.
Most people infected with cholera do not develop any symptoms. However, the bacteria is present in human waste for 1-10 days after infection and is shed back into the environment, potentially infecting other people.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZINWA Targets 140 Boreholes For Cholera Hotspots

Dr Anxious Jongwe Masuka, the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development, has said drilling a borehole requires a permit from the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA). His statement comes after some residents in Bulawayo were protesting against the Upper Gwayi Sub Catchment for enforcing the payment of levies for the use of underground water.
Dr Masuka emphasised that groundwater use is governed by the Water Act and that the Sub-Catchment Council is responsible for accessing and allocating water efficiently. He urged individuals to obtain drilling permits and ensure compliance with the law. In a statement seen by Pindula News, Masuka said:
<blockquote>
<h3>STATEMENT ON BOREHOLE DRILLING AND GROUNDWATER ABSTRACTIONS</h3>
The Ministry has noted the recent increase in the number of individuals and organisations drilling boreholes without the relevant permits in the country; with some of these boreholes being drilled within metres of one another.
The Ministry wishes to remind borehole owners, drillers and prospective borehole owners that groundwater use, just like surface water use, is governed by the Water Act (Chapter 20 24) Section 3 of the Water Act vests all water in the President while Section 4 of the same Act prohibits private ownership of water. With water being a finite resource, its development and use should be managed in a sustainable manner. Government, through ZINWA and Sub-Catchment Councils, is responsible for assessing and allocating water efficiently, sustainably and equitably, in view of competing water needs by multiple users.
In this regard, any individual or organisation intending to drill a borehole should apply for and obtain a drilling permit from their respective Catchment Council This allows Government to know the number and location of the boreholes, so as to avoid over abstraction of the groundwater resource The driller is required, by law, to provide the technical details on the drilling of such a borehole (i.e. the construction, the pumping tests and water yield and any other parameters). It is also a legal requirement that a holder of a groundwater permit keeps records of the water abstracted in terms of the permit and have such water analysed for physical, chemical and biological and other bacteriological constituents and to ensure that the water is safe and clean for human consumption.
All individuals, institutions and organisations who may have drilled boreholes without the requisite documentation are, therefore, advised to approach ZINWA or their respective Catchment Councils to regularise their water use. The Ministry advises all water users to always ensure that their water use is in compliance with the law.
</blockquote>
Some government critics are sceptical that the requirement for drilling permits is intended to prevent the opposition from gaining support through the drilling of boreholes. Hopewell Chin’ono, a prominent critic, believes that the regime will attempt to block these efforts, but the opposition can use these denials to expose the government’s disregard for the people’s needs. He urges the opposition to demonstrate their ability to lead and provide solutions, and to use the government’s obstruction as campaign material.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Government: Drilling A Borehole Requires A Permit From ZINWA

The National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) plans to acquire a vehicle-mounted borehole rig to drill boreholes on its premises and also for companies and individuals who will pay for the service.
NRZ spokesperson Martin Banda said the rig will drill up to a depth of 300 metres.
Banda said the NRZ borehole drilling unit will target drilling boreholes for workstations and residential quarters.
He said this will eliminate the company’s estimated $7 million per month water consumption bill. Said, Banda:
<blockquote>
The vision of the unit is to be the leader in the provision of borehole drilling services in Zimbabwe, the unit will commit to its service charter which will be aimed at ensuring high-quality services for its target markets in providing cost effective sustainable water supply solution.
The target market is wide and varied from internal to external customers for borehole drilling and installation services across Zimbabwe.
The scope is quite vast given that the changes in climate has led to a general reduction in annual rainfall, hence most of the communities in Zimbabwe are in need of clean groundwater and there is potential for the unit to generate profit with good marketing of the services.
</blockquote>
Banda also said NRZ plans to drill 20 boreholes for NRZ operations in one year, and to increase the number of boreholes drilled for customers by 20 per cent annually.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.sundaynews.co.zw/nrz-to-venture-into-borehole-drilling/">The Sunday News</a></h4>

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