CHINHOYI Council has reshuffled its standing committees ostensibly to increase operational efficiency, amid reports the move was aimed at stemming corruption by councillors, some of whom have inexplicably become rich overnight.Report by Own Correspondent
Lately, there have been accusations of corruption among councillors involving a $2,9 million sewer overhaul tender and the issuance of housing stands in the town. The reshuffle, which was done during a full council meeting last week, was also followed by resignations of eight councillors from various portfolios.
They are Blackmore Nyangairo, Ben Rabi, Brighton Mhizha, Nicholas Mutsunge, Damson Mapfumo, Chipo Mhlotswa, Richard Chafausipo and Never Chomusora.
Chamber secretary Abel Gotora said in terms of section 96, subsection 9 of the Urban Councils Act, the resignations meant council had to reconstitute committees of council.
“All Audit committee members have resigned, the environmental management, works and planning committee has two members remaining, one member remains in the health committee, while the other member does not have voting powers.
Two members remain in the finance committee, but one of them does not have voting powers. The procurement board had only one member left.
“Legally, in terms of the Act, where the number of standing committee members is less than three, there is need to reconstitute committtees of council,” said Gotora.
Tempers flared when acting mayor Busani Dube-Marumahoko attempted to block the elections, demanding that the committees be reconstituted forthwith.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
Voting, however, went ahead resulting in incumbent finance and human resources chairman Divies Zinduru being replaced by Zanu PF councillor Chafausipo.
Housing committee chairman Simeon Gotami was ousted and replaced by Damson Mapfumo, while other portfolio heads retained their positions.
