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nullifying the expulsion of Mr Pasipanodya found the Chikomba RDC stuck with two chief executive officers as it had already employed Mr Livingstone Mutara.
A full council meeting at the weekend resolved to pay Mr Pasipanodya severance packages, including salaries and other related payments ending a six-year old labour dispute.
According to calculations made by the council’s human resources department, Mr Pasipanodya was owed US$105 000 at the time the country embraced dollarisation while the other balance accrued from the Zimbabwe dollar era.
Chikomba RDC human resources committee member, Councillor Arnold Reza, said, “The money includes damages, salaries, leave days, pay in lieu for reinstatement among others.
“As council we have no money at the moment, we have only raised US$17 000,” said Clr Reza in an interview.
He said councillors were divided on whom to retain between the two as some councillors had some reservations on Mr Mutara.
Clr Reza said officials from the provincial administration offices and Ministry of Labour assisted council from deliberating and resolving the issue.
“It was then resolved that Mutara be retained and Pasipanodya paid benefits.
“Concerns against Mutara were, however, not ruled out but would be considered.”
Last year, Local Government, Rural and Urban Development Minister Ignatious Chombo defended Chikomba Rural District Council in Parliament for filling the post of the chief executive officer.
He was responding to a question from Chikomba Central MP, Mr Moses Jiri (MDC-T), on why the local authority had not conducted interviews before confirming Mr Mutara as substantive boss. In his response, Minister Chombo said the post of CEO was very critical in the smooth functioning of any local authority.
“Chikomba RDC, after being satisfied with the performance of Mr Mutara over a period of three years in an acting capacity, resolved to recommend the appointment of Mr Mutara in a substantive capacity,” said Minister Chombo while addressing the House of Assembly.
“May it be noted that Mr Mutara has been in the Local Government sector since 1992. While ordinarily such appointments would be preceded by interviews, I was persuaded to conclude that the collective decision of council as supported by the Provincial Administrator has some merit; to the extent that the appointment as granted, would serve the residents of Chikomba, more so, as the officer has some practical exposure in local governance.”
ment administration,”
Minister Chombo added that he exercised his discretion in the public interest based on a request from the local authority.
Online Reporter