Zimpapers Logo

Municipal Reporter
LOCAL Government, Public Works and National Housing Minister Saviour Kasukuwere is set to descend on Zvishavane and Chiredzi town councils following reports of abuse of funds and illegal parcelling out of residential and commercial stands by councillors and officials. Members of the Zvishavane Residents and Ratepayers Association have since asked Minister Kasukuwere to dissolve the MDC-T-led council alleging rampant corruption.

The residents who are boycotting rates payments to the local authority, accuse council of operating illegally after Government refused to approve its 2016 budget because it was not signed by councillors.

The councillors are alleged to have refused to authorise the budget because the town management refused to act on corruption unveiled during an audit, which showed that $120 000 disappeared from council coffers.

In Chiredzi, councillors are alleged to have allocated themselves several stands with others reportedly getting 40 stands each. Minister Kasukuwere yesterday confirmed that he was watching the two councils with keen interest, but refused to disclose the action his ministry would take.

“We are watching the two councils with keen interest. We will not leave any stone unturned in dealing with corruption,” he said. In Marondera, Minister Kasukuwere suspended Zanu-PF Marondera Urban ward 12 councillor Kennedy Muraicho on allegations of being a land baron, among other charges.

In a letter dated April 20, 2016 and addressed to Clr Muraicho, Minister Kasukuwere, said the suspended councillor would be brought before a competent authority to answer the allegations.

“I wish to inform you that in terms of Section 114 (1) (d) (ii) of the Urban Councils Act, that you are hereby suspended from carrying out the functions of the office of the councillor.

“The grounds for your suspension are that you have acted in a manner prejudicial to you being a councillor in that you have put yourself forward as the owner of Elmswood when you are not, in fact, it is in direct conflict to the Municipality of Marondera,” reads part of the letter.

He was also accused of causing an illegal water connection to stand 2 483 in Lendy Park village in prejudice to council.