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Last week residents from Emganwini besieged the city council’s Nketa 6 Housing Office demanding that council gives them title deeds for the Millennium houses.
The houses were built by council in conjunction with donors and allocated to the residents on rental basis 10 years ago.
The residents said they have met Clr Moyo on numerous occasions over the issue but nothing had materialised.
They also accused council of forcing them to pay exorbitant rentals while claiming that they had paid deposits for the houses.
In a statement yesterday, Bupra accused Clr Moyo of failing to handle the issue properly and described him as an arrogant leader who does not understand his mandate.
“Bupra is concerned that Clr Moyo does not understand his mandate as the Mayor of the city.
“The residents called for an explanation from the council arguing that in their understanding the houses were completely paid for hence they did not understand why they have to pay monthly rentals over and above service charges,” read the statement.
Clr Moyo hit back and castigated Bupra, saying the organisation was fond of making uninformed outbursts.
He said the houses were built for renting purposes and said residents should make a formal application through their local councillor, Mr Norman Hlabano.
“I do not work with pressure groups. Being a pressure group does not mean that what they (Bupra) do is always the right thing. They should not speak with their eyes closed like puppies,” said Clr Moyo.
“They should research first. We do not want people making noise without researching. These are rented houses period. We cannot change council procedure overnight just because some people have demonstrated.
“We are clear on what we do as leaders and concerning that issue residents should apply to council instead of rushing to the streets. They have a councillor who should bring their issues to council and should use proper procedure.”
However, Bupra said the Mayor’s remarks were tantamount to negligence of duty.
They said they wanted to remind Clr Moyo that he was elected by people and should address their concerns.
“Clr Moyo was out of order in making the above statements.
“For the Mayor to boldly declare that the local authority will not respond to the residents’concerns is a sign of arrogance and tantamount to negligence of duty,” said Bupra.
The demand for home ownership comes amid revelations that an estimated 70 percent of houses in Bulawayo do not have title deeds.
The council is on record, saying it was working on turning into home ownership its rented accommodation in suburbs such as Iminyela and Mabutweni.
Some of the tenants have stayed in those houses for more than 30 years.
Online Reporter