Zim News Blog -NEWS NETWORK

Source: City of Harare warns of scabies outbreak, children under 12 most affected – herald

Muchaneta Chimuka

THE City of Harare has confirmed a scabies outbreak in Hopley and Stoneridge areas after detecting cases in mid-June, with children under the age of 12 accounting for most infections.

The local authority has warned communities to take stringent measures to contain the further spread of the disease.

In a public alert issued on Wednesday, the city’s Health Department said it had activated outbreak response measures, including enhanced disease surveillance, case management and community awareness campaigns, to contain the highly contagious skin disease.

Scabies is caused by microscopic mites that burrow into the skin, triggering intense itching, particularly at night, leading to skin rashes and sores caused by persistent scratching.

Health officials warned that untreated infections can result in secondary bacterial infections.

The disease is spread mainly through prolonged skin-to-skin contact and by sharing contaminated clothing, bedding and towels.

The City of Harare urged residents in Hopley, Stoneridge and neighbouring communities who develop persistent itching, skin rashes or other symptoms consistent with scabies to seek treatment at the nearest health facility without delay.

It said early diagnosis and treatment are critical in preventing transmission.

Members of the public have also been urged to maintain good personal hygiene, avoid sharing clothing, towels and bedding, wash potentially contaminated items in hot water and complete the full course of treatment prescribed by healthcare workers.

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Source: GMB receives ZiG200m, US$8m to settle farmers – herald

Herald Reporter

THE Grain Marketing Board (GMB) has received ZiG200 million from the Government to pay farmers, a move aimed at clearing outstanding debts and ensuring timely payments for current grain deliveries.

The funding, together with a recently received US$8 million, is expected to strengthen farmer confidence, improve cash flows and support national food security.

Speaking at a press briefing in Harare yesterday, GMB chief executive officer Dr Edson Badarai said the latest funding demonstrates Government’s commitment to supporting farmers and safeguarding agricultural livelihoods.

He said the ZiG200 million has been allocated to settle both outstanding and current payments.

“Of this, ZiG65 million is going to clear old debt. The remaining ZiG135 million is clearing the current deliveries, showing our commitment to timely payments,” he said.

Dr Badarai said farmers are also receiving payments in United States dollars, further strengthening confidence in the marketing system.

“We recently received US$8 million, US$2 million last week and US$6 million this week,” he said.

“This brings total payments made to farmers this season to US$20 million, inclusive of another US$4 million we received and disbursed earlier.”

He said grain deliveries continue to increase, with GMB expecting total intake to surpass 100 000 tonnes within the next two weeks.

“The deliveries are good and we are currently at 85 000 tonnes. We believe that in two weeks we’ll have surpassed 100 000 tonnes,” he said.

Dr Badarai encouraged farmers to make use of GMB’s extensive network of collection points to reduce transport costs and avoid being exploited by unscrupulous grain buyers.

“We encourage our farmers to utilise our 1 804 collection points to save on transport costs. They should not be duped by those other people who want to pay them less than what they deserve,” he said.

The latest funding and continued payments underscore the Government’s efforts to support farmers, enhance agricultural productivity and strengthen national food security through efficient grain marketing.

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Source: Police seal off NCA offices in fresh crakdown  -Newsday Zimbabwe

POLICE have reportedly cordoned off the National Constitutional Assembly (NCA) offices in Harare ahead of the organisation’s national leadership meeting with party leaders reportedly failing to access the premises.

NCA leader Lovemore Madhuku told NewsDay that his party offices were reportedly sealed off by police this morning.

The development comes amid heightened tensions over Constitutional Amendment Act No. 3 (CAB3), which extends President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term of office and alters key electoral and constitutional provisions.

Earlier this year, suspected State security agents allegedly broke into NCA offices in what was believed to be an attempt to disrupt meetings opposing Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3.

National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said he was still checking on the reports.

“I am still checking on the claims,” Nyathi said.

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Source: Karoi launches debt recovery blitz over US$7 million in unpaid rates –Newsday Zimbabwe

KAROI, Jul. 15 (NewsDay Live) – Karoi Town Council has launched a debt recovery blitz targeting residents and businesses owing more than US$7 million in unpaid rates and service charges, as the local authority struggles to maintain basic service delivery.

In a notice dated July 13, the council said teams began issuing Small Claims Court orders on Tuesday to recover outstanding assessment rates, refuse collection fees, rentals and other municipal debts.

“The exercise will commence on Tuesday, July 14… Officers from council will be issuing Small Claims Court orders throughout Karoi,” the notice said.

Council figures for the period ending June 30, 2026, show total arrears of US$7,022,656.

High-density suburbs account for the largest share of the debt at US$2.94 million, or 41.9% of the total. Medium-density areas owe US$999,273.92 (14.2%), while commercial properties account for US$889,104.25 (12.7%).

Combined, residential ratepayers owe about US$4.3 million, representing 61.3% of all outstanding debt. Other arrears include US$795,636.50 for terminable leases, US$608,627.53 from industrial properties, US$330,577.83 in business licence fees and US$43,499.72 owed by government institutions.

The recovery exercise comes as residents complain of worsening service delivery, including uncollected refuse, deteriorating roads in suburbs such as Chikangwe and Chiedza, and recurring water shortages.

“Council remains committed to providing quality services subject to timeous payment of rates and service charges by all,” the local authority said.

Residents, however, argue that they are reluctant to settle their accounts because essential services have continued to deteriorate. Farmers, who own a significant proportion of property in Karoi, say weaker tobacco earnings this season have left many struggling to meet their financial obligations.

The council did not disclose how many ratepayers are in arrears or indicate how any recovered funds would be allocated.

The recovery campaign highlights the financial pressures facing local authorities, with declining revenue collection undermining their ability to maintain infrastructure and provide basic municipal services.

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Source: Government commits to adjusting aviation taxes to attract more airlines -Newsday Zimbabwe

Government has acknowledged that high aviation taxes and charges could be affecting Zimbabwe’s competitiveness as the country seeks to position itself as a regional aviation hub.

Transport and Infrastructural Development minister Felix Mhona said authorities have recognised that the level of aviation taxes influence airline decisions, passenger demand and cargo development.

“Government appreciates that taxes and aviation charges play a critical role in financing infrastructure development and supporting public services,” Mhona told delegates at a recent aviation summit in Harare.

“At the same time, we recognise that the level and structure of taxes can influence airline decisions, passenger demand, tourism competitiveness and cargo movement.”

The comments come as African countries position themselves to benefit from the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), the continent’s flagship open-skies initiative aimed at improving connectivity and stimulating competition among airlines.

Industry executives have long argued that passenger taxes, airport charges and statutory levies increase ticket prices and reduce Zimbabwe’s competitiveness relative to regional rivals such as South Africa, Zambia, Kenya and Ethiopia.

For Zimbabwe, the debate carries significant implications.

Government has invested heavily in upgrading Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, Victoria Falls International Airport and Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport as part of efforts to transform the country into a regional aviation and tourism hub.

However, Mhona acknowledged that infrastructure investment alone would not guarantee success.

“Aviation infrastructure alone is not enough for Zimbabwe to become a preferred aviation hub,” he said.

The transport minister said government was seeking to strike a balance between maintaining fiscal revenues and ensuring the aviation sector remains competitive.

“Our challenge, therefore, is to strike a balance — one which ensures sustainable revenue generation without undermining the competitiveness of our aviation industry,” Mhona said.

Passenger traffic through Zimbabwe’s airports rose 10% to 2,53 million travellers last year, while overflight traffic increased by 5% to 33 730 aircraft, reflecting the recovery in regional aviation demand.

Industry players argue that policy reforms that improve the cost competitiveness of Zimbabwe’s aviation sector could unlock additional growth in tourism, trade and investment as competition for airlines intensifies across the continent.

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