Chinhoyi Mayor Claudius Nyamhondoro has been suspended after the municipality reportedly defied a directive to rescind a resolution to re-advertise the $2,9 million sewer rehabilitation tender.
Local Government minister Ignatius Chombo last week read the riot act to council staff over the matter and subsequently suspended Nyamhondoro.
Although Chombo was not immediately available for comment yesterday, his deputy Sesel Zvidzai confirmed the suspension, but quickly condemned it.
“He was suspended over council’s refusal to bow down to Chombo’s demand to award an undeserving company a tender. The suspension is unfair because councils should be independent and there should be no interference with tender processes.
“It’s unfortunate the minister has found it necessary to suspend the mayor to influence the process,” said Zvidzai.
MDC-T national executive member Charlton Hwende said: “The issue was brought before the national council and our position is that Chombo has no right to interfere with elected officials who have a mandate from the people of Chinhoyi.
Elected councillors should be allowed to perform without interference. He should concentrate on his personal life.
We say hands off elected officials.” Hwende claimed Chombo had interests in the firm he wanted awarded the tender hence his actions. Earlier, Chombo threatened all councillors in Chinhoyi with expulsion.
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Though Chombo has taken a tough stance against MDC-T councillors, the party has also weighed in saying a probe would be instituted and all found on the wrong side of the law dealt with.
The party said it was concerned with the lavish lifestyles of some councillors who had suddenly become super-rich.
