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Walter Nyamukondiwa Chinhoyi Bureau
At least 11 candidates have been shortlisted for the position of Chinhoyi Municipality town clerk following an overwhelming response which saw 52 people submitting their curriculum vitaes.

According to sources, council is looking for someone with the stamina to withstand political and other related pressures apart from professional qualifications.

The position fell vacant following the resignation of the then town clerk Mr Mungororo Mazai last year.

A selection committee met last week to shortlist the number to 11 candidates who have to undergo interviews to remain with three candidates.

The three best candidates will be forwarded to the Local Government Board for further scrutiny.

Chinhoyi Mayor Mr Test Michaels confirmed the developments saying the process should be complete by month end.

“The process of coming up with a suitable candidate to be our town clerk is going on smoothly, with 11 candidates now shortlisted for the position,” said Mr Michaels.

He said the successful candidate will be tasked with implementing the municipality’s strategic plan, which among other things, seeks to improve water supply and refuse collection.

“When then town clerk Mr Mazai left, we were focused as council, on what we wanted to achieve and the successful candidate will have to ensure that we meet our targets,” said the mayor.

Some parts of Chinhoyi such as Orange Grove have not had tap water for several years while rationing is a permanent feature in other suburbs.

Running concurrently is the selection of municipality auditor and finance director, where the selection committee has also shortlisted candidates. The finance director’s position fell vacant following the discovery that the incumbent Mr Tonderai Mukosa, had a previous conviction.

Chinhoyi is in the process of implementing recommendations by a consultant to fill all vacant posts.

However, some residents are questioning the selection process saying it has not always yielded the best candidate.

“If the process is thorough, we wonder how someone with a criminal record can be employed only for it to be discovered later,” said a resident, Tongai Mapere.

He said council should ensure people with the zeal to see Chinhoyi develop into a city are engaged.

Chinhoyi has had several unsuccessful bids for city status with some basic amenities perennially stalling the drive.