The Municipality of Chitungwiza's proposed crackdown on pool tables has triggered a debate among residents, with some questioning whether the local authority is prioritising the town's most pressing challenges.

The move, which was initiated through a motion by  councilor Obert Matsika, comes amid growing concern over drug abuse among youths. However, critics argue that the municipality should instead focus its attention on long standing service delivery issues such as sewage spills, water shortages and deteriorating roads.

Social influencer Tawona Shadaya said council appeared to be concentrating on less urgent matters while residents continue to grapple with overflowing sewage.

"Chitungwiza is full of sewage, but they decide not to attend to that, busy focusing on pool tables and snooker," he said.

Another Resident Kays Mukanya shared similar sentiments, saying the municipality should address challenges directly affecting people's daily lives.

"If you're truly concerned about creating a safe environment for the inhabitants of Chitungwiza to live, you have to attend to the real issues affecting us ,bursting sewages, refuse collection, rehabilitation of roads, lighting system and provision of safe and clean water for drinking," said Mukanya.

But Councilor Matsika maintained that tackling drug abuse and improving service delivery were not mutually exclusive, saying council was pursuing several infrastructure projects.

"On sewer we are on spot as there are two main projects, Unit M project and Zengeza project. These two shall ease many blockages if completed. Currently those works are in progress," said Matsika.

He said the municipality had acquired a 40-horsepower excavator to reduce hiring costs and planned to purchase two tipper trucks before the end of July to improve road and drainage maintenance.

On water supply, Matsika said council was engaging a private investor for the construction of Muda Dam, adding that the matter was currently before the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA).

"On water our only duty is to build a treatment plant and provide water to residents. All issues of water are under Presidential powers and also under Zinwa. Central government is supposed to bond those investors as a security measure," he said.

Matsika defended the campaign against pool tables, arguing that council had a responsibility to protect young people from the scourge of drugs.

"On pools and drugs we can't fold our hands when the future generation is being destroyed by drugs. We are the city fathers and mothers; it is our primary mandate to safeguard them. As much as our research proved that pools are harbouring drug cartels, I don't see anything wrong in taking action," he said.

The issue has exposed differing views among residents, with some supporting tighter controls on pool tables while others insist that service delivery should take precedence.

Meanwhile, Matsika dismissed criticism from residents' group Chitrest over  the late  appointment of a substantive town clerk, saying council would not be swayed by pressure groups or debates on social media.

"We don't operate on pressure groups' assumptions first. To us, if they need our position, the office of PR, ATC and Mayor is open. Talk shows on social media are not of our concern," he said.