Online Reporter
Vusumuzi Dube Deputy Radar Editor
TWENTY sitting Bulawayo councillors are pushing for a downward review of residential stand prices in Mahatshula East before taking up a 40 percent discount offered to them, arguing that the current prices are too high for them to afford.
The request comes against the backdrop of Government’s long-standing position that local authorities should exercise restraint on councillors’ perks and prioritise service delivery amid constrained public finances.
The government through the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works issued Circular Number 12 of 2019, which allows councillors the privilege to buy residential land at a 40 percent discount in their life time, meaning the councillors can benefit once from this scheme.
However, according to a confidential council report, 20 councillors have appealed for a reduction in the price of 600-square-metre residential stands, arguing that the current pricing structure makes home ownership unaffordable for elected officials.
Council policy states that a residential stand be sold at US$30 per square metre, meaning the 600 square metre stands being targeted by the councillors would normally go for US$18 000.
According to the report, the councillors had initially appealed that the price be reduced to US$16 000, which was granted by council, before the latest push to have the stands further reduced to US$14 000.
After factoring in the 40 percent discount, as directed by the government, this will mean the councillors will pay US$8 400 for the 600 square metre stand, which means they will effectively pay 47 percent of the original price of the stand.
“The matter was considered and discussion ensued. Councillor Khalazani Ndlovu felt that the pricing of residential stands was very high for an ordinary councillor. The current price per square metre needed to be adjusted downwards for this to be a viable option.
“Councillor Mxolisi Mahlangu concurred. He proposed that the total price of the 600 square metre stands allocated to councillors be US$14 000 before the 40 percent discount. He argued that councillors played a very important role in service delivery as such it was important for Council to award them stands at a reasonable price. Councillor
Nkosinathi Hove Mpofu supported the proposal,” reads the report.
During deliberations, Clr Donaldson Mabuto suggested that the matter be referred to the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works for guidance, however, Clr Felix Madzana opposed involving the ministry at that stage, saying the issue should first be resolved internally before recommendations were forwarded.
“Councillor Aleck Ndlovu supported the submission of recommendations to the Ministry. The remuneration and working conditions for councillors were highly inadequate. It was essential to appraise the Ministry of the inadequate welfare and financial challenges currently faced by councillors.
“Councillor Melisa Mabeza requested the office of the Mayor and Town Clerk to look into the issue and report back to council. His Worship the Mayor (Councillor David Coltart) supported the proposal made by Councillor Mabeza. He called on Councillor Mxolisi Mahlangu to provide more information. It would be too early to involve the Ministry before gathering more information and comparisons,” reads the report.
According to the report, the local authority’s Valuation and Estates Manager told councillors that the current charge of US$30 per square metre had been determined in line with prevailing market prices charged by private developers.
“In response, the Valuation and Estates Manager explained that the current charges of US$30 per square metre done by private developers was in line with council policy. Councillors had appealed and it was agreed to revise the charges to US$27 per square metre. At US$27 per square metre the 600 square metre residential stand would cost US$16 000.
“The Acting Chamber Secretary indicated that councillors had appealed before for the stand price reduction. Such issues if not handled properly could lead to negative views such as abuse of office. The current stand pricing applied to every resident in the city.
“The Town Clerk advised that the councillors could make suggestions and recommendations to the Ministry regarding the reviewing of stand prices. The Ministry would then make considerations and advice accordingly,” reads the report.
Over the years, the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works has tightened oversight of councillors’ conditions of service, stressing that any benefits or allowances must be approved by the parent ministry and should not place an additional burden on ratepayers.
