Shurugwi Community Calls for Transparency and Action from Tongogara Rural District Council

By Staff Reporter

On March 5, 2026, the residents and business community of Donga, under the banner of Donga, Tongogara Residential Residents & Business Community (4X4), sent a formal letter to Mr. Ncube, the CEO of Tongogara Rural District Council (TRDC), outlining critical areas of concern regarding local governance, infrastructure, and community welfare. This letter reflects the collective voice of the community, emphasizing the urgency for transparency, engagement, and action on pressing issues.

The residents of Donga articulated their queries and concerns across several key areas:

Property Evaluation

The community expressed confusion and frustration over a recent property evaluation exercise. They raised critical questions regarding the initiation of this process without consent or notification to property owners about the outcomes. This lack of transparency raises concerns about fairness in the valuation and subsequent levying of business charges, which are now based on the newly established benchmarks. Residents seek clarification on the rationale behind this process and its implications for local businesses and property owners.

Title Deeds

Another significant area of concern is the processing and issuance of title deeds. The residents are eager to understand the council’s position on this matter, as ownership clarity is pivotal for the security of their properties and the overall development of the community.

Land Cost and Availability

Community members highlighted the exorbitant costs associated with acquiring residential stands, along with various fees that add to their financial burden. They questioned whether these challenges were hindering community growth and proposed alternative approaches adopted by neighboring jurisdictions, such as phased payment systems for stand applicants. Their goal is to ensure affordability and availability of housing in Donga.

Health Delivery

The residents highlighted a perceived abandonment of the council’s initiative to establish clinics in wards lacking healthcare facilities. They are particularly concerned about the status of the donated ambulance to Tongogara Polyclinic, which has reportedly disappeared. This raises serious questions about accountability and the community’s access to essential health services.

Business and Investment Promotion

In line with Vision 2030, which aims to uplift the economy to upper-middle-income status, the Donga community seeks to understand the council’s strategies for promoting business and investment in the area. They request a clear blueprint that aligns with the vision’s mandate, especially regarding inclusive economic growth.

Refuse and Sewer Management

Environmental concerns were also raised, particularly regarding the mismanagement of litter cages and the adequacy of sewage management systems in a growing settlement. Residents urged the council to consider sustainable alternatives, revealing a pursue for a cleaner and healthier environment.

This letter represents not only a call for answers but also a plea for collaborative governance where the voices of residents are heard and taken into account in decision-making processes. The Donga community is actively seeking engagement from the TRDC, aiming for a partnership that prioritizes transparency, accountability, and sustainable development.

As the letter awaits a response from Mr. Ncube, the residents of Donga hold hope for meaningful dialogue that will pave the way for improvements in their community’s infrastructure, health services, and overall quality of life. It serves as a reminder of the power of collective action and the importance of responsive leadership in local governance.