Chitungwiza councillors led by Mayor Philemon Chipiyo on Tuesday called for the removal of the so-called resuscitation team set up by Local Government minister Ignatius Chombo saying it had overstayed its mandate.
Chipiyo said the Fungai Mbetsa-led team had done a good job by investigating corruption and coming up with reports, but there was need to move forward. “We are waiting for a directive from the minister (Chombo),” he said.
“After the interviews we sent recommendations to the Local Government Board, which should report to the minister who should then give us a directive on the way forward.” Chipiyo accused the team of straying into areas where it was not supposed to involve itself in.
“I am not happy with the way the team is operating these days,” he said.
“They did a good job by investigating and coming up with reports, but what they are doing now is not professional. Even the judgments they pass, no one would give such judgments.”
Another councillor said the team’s continued presence was becoming “a financial burden” as they were getting over $80 000 monthly in allowances.
“Their presence is becoming a financial burden to the council because they are drawing close to $80 000 a month, which translates to more than $500 000 for the months they have been in office, which is a lot of money given that workers are not being paid well,” said the councillor.
But Mbetsa yesterday maintained his team was working well with councillors.
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He claimed the team had done a good job by ejecting corrupt elements and getting the town working again. Chombo was not immediately available for comment as his phone went unanswered.
