Govt saves Chitungwiza mayor

to stop his ouster.

Town clerk, Mr Godfrey Tanyanyiwa, said the full council meeting to pass the vote of no confidence was cancelled after it became apparent that the action was not provided for in the Urban Councils’ Act.
Councillors are not happy with Ald Chipiyo’s leadership, accusing him of running a “one man band”.
Despite Mr Tanyanyiwa’s assurances, deputy mayor, Councillor Rangarirai Mutingwende, said the councillors had passed the vote of no confidence in Ald Chipiyo and were now studying the situation before electing a new mayor to lead the municipality.

Ald Chipiyo said he was not leaving office until the expiry of his term.
“I am not going anywhere,” he said. “I will not leave office until after my term expires. Why should I go? I was put in council by the people and until I lose my ward seat I would be mayor.”
Mr Tanyanyiwa said the status quo remains at the council.

“The Urban Councils’ Act does not provide for a vote of no confidence,” he said. “If the councillors have any grievance against the mayor, they should take them to the Minister (of Local Government, Rural and Urban Development) for appropriate action. The meeting could not take place. We advised them against the meeting.”

Mr Tanyanyiwa said the minister will take action based on the soundness of the grievances or the councillors would have to wait for the next elections. But concern is high on how the municipality will function after 18 of the 22 councillors have shown no confidence in the mayor. Among the grievances are that Ald Chipiyo has failed to consult or notify fellow councillors about developments in the council.

Councillors are not happy with his responses to the Press which they say have the potential to cause “a dispute or labour action by workers”.
Councillors allege Ald Chipiyo has failed to give them feedback from the meetings he holds with management.

The failure to report back, the councillors allege, had caused suspicion and the passing of poorly informed resolutions.
“He has failed to follow up on resolutions since assuming office,” reads part of a petition by the councillors.

They also allege Ald Chipiyo caused council to lose money when he single handedly sourced a US$10 million loan from a financier.
They also accuse him of causing the re-engagement of his son who had been fired for stealing council money.