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Blessings Chidakwa and John Murwira
Government has reiterated its position that mayors and councillors will not receive exit packages at the end of their terms. This comes as most councils have been proposing exit packages for councillors after the expiry of their tenures. The councillors are, however, allowed to buy residential stands within their wards, if they do not hold any other in the same area.

In a circular dated January 12, 2018 sent to all town clerks and secretaries titled: “Applications for packages and gratuities”, principal director (urban local authorities) Ms Erica Jones said mayors and councillors were not going to receive exit packages.

“The ministry has received several applications for exit packages and gratuities for councillors who are coming to the end of their term of office. Having consulted the principals, I wish to advise you that the contents of Circular UC12 dated November 14, 2016 remains the position of the ministry,” she said.

“Hence, no councillor, mayor or chairperson will receive any exit package on completion of their tenure. Please bring this information to the attention of councillors to avoid crisis of expectation.”

Chinhoyi mayor councillor Test Michaels yesterday applauded the move, which he described as noble.

“Previous mayors were executive and we are ceremonial, just there to serve our respective communities not necessarily council employees. We have no contention on that matter,” he said.

Chinhoyi Ward 1 Councillor Tapera Mutovido also welcomed the development.

“As for us, we are not fully employed by Chinhoyi Municipality, so I don’t see any problem with that because we are on part time. We serve the interests of our residence, so it will be unfair and also cruel to demand packages considering that even our council is cash strapped,” he said.

Clr Mutovido said service delivery was their priority, not self-enrichment.