In our issue of NewsDay yesterday, Harare mayor Bernard Manyenyeni disclosed that their plans to turn round the capital city’s fortunes were being stifled by Local Government, Public Works and National Housing minister Ignatius Chombo who interfered in its day-to-day operations.
NewsDay Editorial
Chombo had also imposed incompetent managers to run the affairs of council to protect his interests.
Manyenyeni made the remarks when he appeared before the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Local Government chaired by Mutasa South MP Irene Zindi (Zanu PF).
According to Manyenyeni, the task of turning Harare into a world-class city by 2025 is fast eroding council. As mayor he said council needed to stop the decline.
In this case, Chombo needs as minister to realise his space and operate in that. But the biggest enemy for Harare as many other local authorities in the country is that they are superintended by a minister who also acts as a procurement officer, town clerk and director of operations.
Needless to say as a result of Chombo’s actions, the local authority will not meet world-class metropolis status. One would agree with Manyenyeni’s observations hence the ruling Zanu PF party should realise that if Chombo’s powers are not curtailed that will affect the party’s prospect of leaving a legacy for the capital city.
Service delivery has hit rock bottom as elected councillors cannot perform their duties according to their manifestos while Chombo and his cohorts run the affairs of council to the detriment of service delivery.
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But, life is not about waiting for the storm to stop, so Manyenyeni and his fellow councillors must learn to dance during the storm – that is, they must devise ways to circumvent Chombo’s numerous barricades to deliver service to the expectant residents.
While town clerk Tendai Mahachi is educated and suited for his job, his challenge is that he is failing to live up to expectations as service delivery continues to dwindle. In fact, his leadership credentials are questionable, corruption is endemic and something fundamental needs to be done to save the local authority from collapse.
It appears it has become a feeding trough of the ruling class fronted by Chombo, for if it wasn’t, Zanu PF should have reined in the minister for its good self.
Millions of dollars have been given to council for various people-oriented programmes – water reticulation, infrastructure development and many others, but still there is nothing to show for all the lines of credit extended to Harare.
Shouldn’t the ruling party be concerned about the lack of development in the seat of government? We thought the Zanu PF politburo provides direction each time they meet, but it appears they are consumed about who will succeed 90-year-old President Robert Mugabe to the detriment of the whole country.
Shouldn’t the people get worried about the trend where the country and the capital city continue falling-off?
The people need leadership renewal at council, and demand a reshuffle for some Cabinet positions to rejuvenate government.
