Councillor using CAB3 to delay irrigation elections

Zanu-PF Ward 22 councillor for Gutu Central, Thandavani Simbanegavi, has been accused of attempting to use the recently passed Constitutional Amendment No. 3 (CAB3) to postpone leadership elections at the Ranga Irrigation Scheme until 2030, despite the scheme's constitution requiring elections every two years.

The allegations have sparked concern among members of the irrigation scheme, who claim the move was intended to protect Zanu-PF officials holding leadership positions within the project from facing elections.

According to sources within the scheme, Simbanegavi allegedly instructed the 171 members of the Ranga Irrigation Scheme to suspend the provisions of their constitution and defer elections that were due in 2026 until 2030, arguing that all elections would henceforth follow the timeline proposed under CAB3.

However, the scheme's constitution stipulates that committee elections must be conducted every two years.

Former Ward 22 councillor Bickson Muzenda said members were shocked by the directive.

"We were surprised to hear a decree from the councillor saying there are no elections for the irrigation leadership until 2030," said Muzenda.

He said elections had initially been due in August last year but were repeatedly postponed, prompting members to boycott meetings until fresh elections were held.

"We had a challenge. Elections were supposed to be held in August last year but kept being postponed because the committee was taking political advantage. They were now involving themselves in corrupt activities," he said.

According to Muzenda, the prolonged impasse only ended after members refused to participate in meetings organised by a committee whose term had expired.

"We boycotted their meetings and no one was attending them since their term had lapsed. The councillor later came and held elections on 3 June 2026 and things are now stabilising," he said.

Muzenda also raised concerns over the management of the irrigation scheme's finances, particularly revenue generated by a tractor owned by the project.

"We had a tractor but the tractor account does not have any cent despite the fact that the tractor was working bringing money," he alleged.

Responding to the allegations, Simbanegavi said the elections had not been held last year because she had been occupied with party responsibilities and School Development Committee (SDC) elections.

The Ranga Irrigation Scheme draws water from the Mutora River and supports the production of horticultural crops, maize, beans and wheat, providing livelihoods for more than 170 members.

The allegations come amid heightened political debate following Parliament's passage of CAB3, which, among other provisions, seeks to extend the terms of office of elected public officials. However, the proposed constitutional amendments relate to public offices established under the Constitution and do not automatically apply to the governance of private organisations, community projects or associations governed by their own constitutions.