MDC-T leader Morgan Tsvangirai yesterday pledged to help Chitungwiza Municipality mobilise the $4,5 million required to improve services delivery, particularly refurbishment of the sewage treatment plant. BY PAIDAMOYO MUZULU
Speaking during a tour of the sprawling town where he interacted with residents, Tsvangirai said his party’s local government department would help in mobilising the resources.
He also castigated the Zanu PF government’s “populist” decision to write off residents’ rates arrears in the run-up to the 2013 general elections, saying the directive had left many MDC-T-run councils financially crippled.
Chitungwiza mayor Philip Mutoti told Tsvangirai that the council was in financial dire straits as its monthly revenue was far below its net salary bill.
“We are facing a bleak financial predicament in this town as we collect a gross $900 000 per month against a salary bill of $1,5 million, meaning we are left with nothing for service delivery,” Mutoti said. The council has over the last six months been battling to reduce its wage bill through making certain posts redundant.
The council is also working on a new 15 000 housing development plan at Nyatsime, but the project is being hampered by Zanu PF youths and land barons who are unlawfully parcelling out stands to party functionaries without council approval.
Keep Reading
- 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