admin“‘lack of leadership qualities”.
Yesterday 16 councillors held a caucus meeting in the council chambers to discuss Alderman Chipiyo and his deputy Clr Rangarirai Mutingwende. The two almost exchanged blows last week over the purchase of a vehicle for use by Clr Mutingwende with Alderman Chipiyo insisting that his deputy did not qualify to drive a council vehicle.
Alderman Chipiyo also drives a council vehicle. Alderman Chipiyo has reported his displeasure to Local Government, Rural and Urban Development Minister Ignatius Chombo and his Deputy Sessel Zvidzai.
But the councillors feel Alderman Chipiyo is being petty and should not lead them. Councillors’ chief whip Clr Ernest Muridzi confirmed that councillors were not happy with Alderman Chipiyo and would soon move a motion of no confidence in his leadership.
“The mayor does not report back to us. All we hear is he has gone to see the Minister. We have not given him that mandate. What issues other than council business does he take to the Minister without our approval,” he said.
Clr Muridzi said the councillors had agreed that both Alderman Chipiyo and Clr Mutingwende should furnish the council with reasons for their infighting.
“We are not happy with the behaviour. It is the name of the council that is being brought into disrepute,” he said.
The decision by the councillors comes in the wake of a serious rift between Alderman Chipiyo and Clr Mutingwende over the purchase of a vehicle for Clr Mutingwende.
The two almost exchanged blows only to be separated by town clerk Mr Godfrey Tanyanyiwa who emphasised to the two that they were the face of council and fighting would send wrong signals.
Alderman Chipiyo is of the view that Clr Mutingwende and town clerk Mr Tanyanyiwa are usurping his power and sidelining him But Clr Mutingwende feels Alderman Chipiyo is overreacting and is not being honest with “the truth”.
Alderman Chipiyo said he would withdraw resolutions that granted permission for the purchase of vehicles for Mr Tanyanyiwa, Clr Mutingwende and heads of departments. Utility vehicles are part of the senior officials package. But what incensed Alderman Chipiyo most was the council decision to buy a twin cab Ford Ranger for his deputy. Alderman Chipiyo chaired the meeting that passed the resolution but has surprisingly decided to challenge the council resolution.
“Tanyanyiwa and Mutingwende are sidelining me. They are doing things together. Tanyanyiwa now recognises Mutingwende as mayor,” said Alderman Chipiyo.
Asked for his comment Clr Mutingwende said Alderman Chipiyo was acting like a “jealous” wife in a polygamous relationship who does not want to see her husband doing good to the other woman.
He said Alderman Chipiyo had chaired the full council meeting that approved the purchase of the vehicle he is using and was surprised at his “about turn”. Minister Chombo met the two last week and ordered that they both park their vehicles at council offices because they “did not need them”.
Online Reporter