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Outgoing Kwekwe mayor Cde Matenda Madzoke has said he is leaving the city a happy man after presiding over its affairs as first citizen for the last five years. Cde Madzoke sought to retain his Ward 7 council seat under the Zanu-PF ticket, but lost to MDC-Alliance’s Mr Charles Juta in the just-ended harmonised elections.
In an interview yesterday, Cde Madzoke said he played his part in the development of the City of Kwekwe, adding that he was leaving office a happy man having initiated a number projects for the development of the city.
“I played my part and we have best wishes for anyone taking over.
“I ran my race and I think I contributed a lot for the development of this city. That makes me leave office a happy man,” he said.
Cde Madzoke said Kwekwe was one of the cleanest cities in Zimbabwe and one that never experienced disease outbreaks.
“It’s one of the best cities in the country and we were doing everything possible to make sure that residents get clean water. No disease outbreaks in the city so we have to be proud of that,” he said.
Cde Madzoke completed his term without a mayoral car and at times would be seen attending to council duties using his own vehicle.
Cde Madzoke once made headlines after riding a bicycle to work.
Meanwhile, some Kwekwe residents interviewed yesterday said they worked well with Cde Madzoke.
“He was a man of the people, we would always meet him on the streets and engage with him on the city’s affairs.
“He would respond to anyone seeking clarification where the council was not doing well like refuse collection,” said Mrs Lorraine Mandebvu, a vendor in the central business district.
Mr Aaron Chitate said they will miss Cde Madzoke.
“We will certainly miss him, the city has been taken back by opposition and we will hardly get anything I the next five years,” he said.
Online Reporter