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Abigail Mawonde and Africa Moyo
Harare Mayor Councillor Herbert Gomba has denied claims in the private media alleging he was blaming Government and the ruling Zanu-PF for the outbreak of cholera and typhoid. The mayor wrote to Local Government, Public Works and National Housing Minister July Moyo on September 14 saying he never had an interview with NewsDay and the information attributed to him was false.
“I would like to put it to your attention that the sentiments attributed to me are not true. I did not have one-on-one interview with the said reporter, but I responded to his questions on WhatsApp,” he said.
“During our conversation, I made it clear that we are committed to fighting the cholera pandemic and I never blamed Government in my statement.”
Clr Gomba said he remained committed to his job.
“My response was we remain committed to do our job to solve the choler/typhoid pandemic, we have been calling on Government to build Kunzvi and Musami dams since 2008 in order to deal with water inadequacies in Harare, Chitungwiza, Norton, Zvimba and Ruwa as of now we remain loudest until it is done.
“Lastly, our commitment to service delivery requires that we remain committed to do our job, without indulging into blame games at the expense of lives being lost. We are eight days into the job having taken over from the commission and were eager to doing our best.”
Clr Gomba accused NewsDay of mischief saying he has since engaged his lawyers over the matter.
“I have since instructed my lawyers to institute legal proceedings against the NewsDay. The writer visited my office yesterday in the presence of the acting town clerk to make an apology.
“Since my council came to office, I have made it clear that we will be working hand and glove with our parent ministry and the stance remains the same.
“We are looking forward to a fruitful relationship with yourself and the ministry for the benefit of our city and the resident we all serve,” he said.
Responding to Clr Gomba’s letter, Minister Moyo said it was important for council and the ministry to work well.
“I have noted your submission. I must admit that I was taken aback when I read the article, especially in view of the fact that we had held, what I perceived to be, a cordial meeting that very morning,” he said. Minister Moyo applauded the mayor for taking the legal route in addressing the matter.
“I commend you for taking legal action in this matter as it is important that the public are made aware that some elements within the Press have an agenda of division and confrontation,” he said.
“The same reporter contacted me telephonically requesting my response to the alleged statement but I refused to comment then saying it could not have come from the same mayor I had met earlier and agreed to co-operate with each other.
“Your Worship, besides these detractors, let us always be seen to be working together for the good of our capital city.”
Online Reporter