Bulawayo councillors taken to task

FORMER Bulawayo City Council (BCC) councillors and senior officials have taken the current crop of councillors to task over poor service delivery, urging them to prioritise the city’s pressing needs and seek guidance from experienced figures.

In a recent meeting, the former city fathers stressed the importance of a city-oriented approach in civic governance, underscoring the need for the sitting councillors to align their efforts with the well-being and development of Bulawayo.

They said as the city continues to evolve and face new challenges, the collaboration between past and present leaders will be vital in navigating obstacles and securing a prosperous and sustainable future for Bulawayo.

“New beginnings call for a city-focused mindset. This new generation of councillors must demonstrate a deep commitment to understanding and addressing the challenges faced by our beloved Bulawayo,” said former town clerk Moffat Ndlovu.

“By being less eccentric and more aligned with the city’s needs, our councillors can make a significant impact on the lives of our residents.”

Bulawayo is grappling with a severe water crisis, a situation that poses a significant threat to the health and livelihoods of its residents. The aldermen emphasised the need for collaboration with experts and relevant stakeholders to device sustainable solutions to the city’s challenges.

Mr Ndlovu also raised concerns about the rise in lawlessness within the city, particularly the proliferation of illegal vending activities.

“It is disheartening to see mealie cobs being sold along pavements, some even operating near the municipal council offices. The new councillors must address these issues urgently,” he said.

Echoing Mr Ndlovu’s sentiments, Alderman Bathandi Mpofu expressed deep concern over the current state of Bulawayo, lamenting its decline from its former glory.

He said the councillors have a critical role to play in ensuring the well-being of Bulawayo’s residents.

“As I speak of the matter, I feel tears welling up in my eyes. People coming from outside the city are polluting the streets. There is not much that these councillors can do to address these challenges,” he said.

Alderman Mpofu urged the current councillors to work as a team and to seek advice from those with the necessary experience to make informed decisions that benefit the entire community.

Former deputy mayor, Mlandu Ncube also weighed in on the matter, reminding the councillors that their duties extend beyond part-time responsibilities.

“Councillors need the help of the community if they are to do their work effectively,” he said.

In response, Ward 20 Councillor Sandra Ndebele-Sibindi expressed confidence in the ability of the current councillors to rise to the occasion and steer the city in the right direction.

She acknowledged the advice from the former city fathers and emphasised the importance of being city-focused in their decision-making.

“Water is a fundamental necessity for the livelihood of our residents, and the ongoing challenges require a concerted effort and informed decision-making to ensure a reliable and sustainable water supply for the city,” said Cllr Ndebele-Sibindi.

She also stressed the importance of maintaining open communication and fostering strong partnerships among stakeholders to overcome the city’s challenges and achieve successful development initiatives.

Ward 2 Councillor Adrian Rendani Moyo echoed these sentiments.

“As leaders entrusted with the responsibility of serving our community, it is imperative that we maintain a strong focus on the needs of our city and work towards sustainable solutions. Development is not an easy task, especially when considering the diverse needs of our community,” he said.

“However, with the full support and cooperation of all stakeholders, we can overcome these challenges and create a better future for our city.”