adminmanagement turned down the requests arguing it would set a wrong precedent and disadvantage others in the race for office.
The equipment valued at US$17 million was bought through credit financing implying that it is the residents of the capital who pay back for the loan and not the individual councillors. The loan deals were structured by the city management.
The Mayor said this at a ceremony to commission vehicles and refuse bins that were bought using a US$25 million Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation housing development grant in the capital.
“Some councillors have requested to parade council equipment at their campaign rallies,” he said.
The equipment valued at US$17 million would help to enhance service delivery in the city. The bins, lorry and kombi that were bought, he said, would be used for community projects such as refuse separation at source at Dzivarasekwa Extension. Mr Masunda said the project would create employment and reduce the downtime of ferrying the garbage to dumpsites like Pomona. The city council secured the grant to upgrade Mbare Hostels and construct 480 housing units in Dzivarasekwa Extension.
About 56 000 people reside in the dilapidated structures at the Mbare Hostels which were originally built for migrant bachelor workers around the 1940s but now house large families.
Meanwhile, Mayor Masunda disbursed goods worth US$8 000 to various charitable institutions in the capital. He handed over 120 blankets, 40 mattresses and 20 wheelchairs to the beneficiaries.
Online Reporter