IN its on-going exercise to clean up local authorities accused of corruption, MDC-T probed Chipinge and Rusape Town councils at the weekend. Report by Obey Manayiti
The probe team for Chipinge was led by the party’s secretary for local government, who is also Local Government deputy minister Sesel Zvidzai, while Rusape was investigated by Labour minister Lucia Matibenga.
In an interview with NewsDay yesterday, MDC-T provincial spokesperson Pishayi Muchauraya confirmed the investigations and said it was a normal exercise to promote transparency.
“It’s true that the party sent Zvidzai and Matibenga as heads of probe teams to Chipinge and Rusape. We are doing this in all areas where we have control in local authorities. It’s not about witchhunting, but it is a process of assessing the work done by our councillors.
“The purpose of the probe is to examine whether councillors are serving the best interests of residents. This will make councillors accountable and enforce transparency in matters of service delivery.
Results of any probe will be made public,” said Muchauraya.
The recent probe will be the third in Manicaland following a similar recent one in Mutare City.
Chipinge Town Council chairman Solomon Machingura confirmed the weekend probe.
- 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
“It’s true that a probe team headed by Zvidzai came to Chipinge over the weekend. They interviewed councillors, residents, business community and vendors. We are expecting to hear their findings soon,” said Machingura.
MDC-T has embarked on a campaign to assess progress made by councillors in various local authorities where they dominate. The party’s national organising secretary, Nelson Chamisa, is on record saying councillors found on the wrong side will be fired from the party.
Recently, 12 councillors from several provinces were fired after being found guilty of corruption.
