Own Correspondent|Zimbabwe’s long standing ally, The Republic of China has practically slapped Emmerson Mnangagwa with “sanctions” over loan payments. China has blocked the release of USD $72 million needed to finish the refurbishment of the Morton Jeffrey water works because the Zimbabwean government has failed to pay back millions of dollars’ worth of debt to the Asian country.

The Chinese had committed to paying $144 million for the project which would have seen capacity at the water treatment plants increased.

Harare currently struggles to meet even half of its water needs, and decaying infrastructure coupled with over population have meant that most suburbs receive erratic water supplies, while some go for months or even years without water.

When supplied, the water is often dirty, muddy and unsafe for consumption.

China released half of the earmarked $144 million but have stopped halfway, on account of several unpaid debts.

Harare Mayor, Councillor Herbert Gomba says he was informed by government officials that the reason for the halt was the outstanding debts.

“We had worked on more than 70% of the work using part of the $144 million. Only $72 million has been availed but the project stopped because of debts by the previous government,” he said.

“We were told by government officials that they sought to address the matter. There are discussions between governments on the matter and other matters we are told.”

Gomba also rubbished claims that the council had abused funds.

“The nature of the deal is that we do not have access to any funds. We do not hold anything as the project is supervised by the Office of the President and cabinet and the Ministry of Finance.”

“We are not taking seriously those making baseless allegations of corruption based on illusions or those desperate to make a name through lies yet they themselves are known fraudsters,” he said.