Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Checkpoint Desk
THE Bulawayo City Council (BCC) is under heavy fire after sneaking through a controversial decision to send a bloated 29-member delegation on a so-called “fact-finding mission” to South Africa this Friday — all on the struggling ratepayers’ tab!
The shock trip, aimed at investigating a proposed water utility project, has sparked outrage across the city, with residents fuming that their objections were ignored — and their wallets raided.
Who’s on board?
The fly-out list reads like a Who’s Who of BCC insiders: 10 committee chairpersons, top management fat cats, a so-called “technical team,” and two officials from the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works. A five-star junket — at a time when Bulawayo’s taps are dry and pockets even drier.
Mayor Blows the Whistle
Ironically, even Mayor David Coltart — a key supporter of the water utility idea — has come out guns blazing against the council’s gluttonous travel plans.
In a leaked WhatsApp message dripping with frustration, Coltart warned fellow councillors that the optics were disastrous and could sabotage any goodwill left for the proposed water authority.
“Aside from who goes, we need to understand that the public will view us sending a delegation of 29 in a very bad light. Indeed, ironically, the mere size of the delegation may itself be used as a rod against our backs concerning the Water Authority,” wrote Cllr Coltart.
The mayor had recommended a leaner, meaner team of just eight — but was overruled.
As tensions rise, all eyes are now on the delegation’s Friday lift-off. Will Bulawayo’s embattled council survive the backlash — or has the JHB Junket just poured petrol on a fire they can’t control?
