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Chombo worst-performing minister — MDC-T

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MDC-T MPs yesterday said Local Government, Rural and Urban Development minister Ignatius Chombo should be declared the worst-performing Cabinet minister.

MDC-T MPs yesterday said Local Government, Rural and Urban Development minister Ignatius Chombo should be declared the worst-performing Cabinet minister.

VENERANDA LANGA

They said he deserved this “accolade” for his unwarranted interference in the running of local authorities.

Kwekwe Central MP Blessing Chebundo and Mazowe Central MP Shepherd Mushonga said this in the House of Assembly while debating a report by the Portfolio Committee on Local Government on rural and urban authorities and local government operations.

In its report, the committee, chaired by Chimanimani West MP Lynette Karenyi, noted discrepancies in the management of local authorities, administrative lapses and too much ministerial meddling.

“Chombo should top the list of worst-performing ministers because he was biased and protected councillors that belonged to Zanu PF even if they were guilty of offences,” said Chebundo.

“The minister is also known for absenting himself from Parliament and during the whole session that the House was seized with questions for ministers, Chombo has not been attending. For the committee to get him to appear before them was an achievement.”

Mushonga said Chombo turned a blind eye to corrupt practices by councillors belonging to Zanu PF while those from other political parties were dealt with severely.

Karenyi said the committee observed that the appointment of special interest councillors by Chombo to serve in various local authorities had left a lot to be desired.

“The majority of the special interest councillors did not bring in any special interest and they belonged to one party,” she said.