MDC-T councillors in Harare have pleaded with Local Government minister Saviour Kasukuwere to review their allowances pegged at $290 a month citing challenges in the prevailing economic environment.
BY MOSES MATENGA
The councillors met Kasukuwere for the first time as a full council on Thursday at Town House where he threatened to cause the arrest of land barons belonging to both Zanu PF and the MDC-T accusing them of involvement in corrupt activities in the city.
Although Kasukuwere promised to address the allowances issue, he however, gave a condition that the councillors should work harder and justify why they wanted a raise in their allowances.
“What you want must be commensurate with the services you offer. We will look at that but we also have to work hard. Don’t allow corrupt activities and by so doing the minister will support you,” he said.
Councillors have often complained over what they termed little allowances being given to them with observers saying it was one of the reasons why the city fathers, most of whom are unemployed, were engaging in corrupt activities.
Kasukuwere also promised to address the Zimbabwe National Road Authority (Zinara) and council rift by engaging Transport minister Obert Mpofu.
This was after councillors accused Zinara of not remitting enough money for roads to the local authority.
- 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
“We discussed with the Transport minister to see how best we can handle the matter.
“There is no need for a conflict. Where we should work together with Zinara, we can do much more together,” he said.
Commenting on land and space barons, the minister said: “My message is clear, I have no place for land barons.
“The only place you belong to is the prison. You want me as a muscle mania, I will be that. I will play my part as minister to see to it that land barons in here are dealt with and as Zanu PF national commissar to deal with land barons out there.”
In his speech, Kasukuwere said Harare was grappled with several challenges among them deteriorating ecological situation, serious pollution, housing and dilapidated infrastructure among others.
He said power struggles between councillors and management must end.
