Mayor warns underperforming council workers

Speaking during a consultative meeting with vendors and members of the civic society in the city centre, Clr Moyo said the improvement of the city council’s image was hinged on hard work by council staff.

 

He challenged council workers to take the grievances of residents seriously and always seek to address them.

“Whenever you have grievances as residents just go straight to our offices and do not beg but demand to be served. It is you the residents who sustain the council financially and our duty is to provide efficient service,” said Clr Moyo.

“Council workers are your servants and you are the bosses. They should deliver. If you go to our offices do not be apologetic and if you see our workers denying you service, tell them that you demand to be served and that you are not begging.

“Make sure you report all arrogant, corrupt and under-performing workers to our offices. We want to make Bulawayo an admirable place for everyone and those who cannot provide efficient service would be shown the exit. They should leave us. Asifuni kuhlala amadale because our core business is service delivery, service delivery and nothing else.”

Clr Moyo also expressed concern over reports that some council workers were refusing to accept “little” monies that residents pay at the council housing offices.

“Surely how can council workers refuse money when we need it so much? Without your money they cannot get paid and I cannot get paid also,” he said.

Clr Moyo said the local authority was in dire financial straits and was considering ways of broadening its revenue base rather than relying on rentals from residents.

He bemoaned the increase in the unemployment rate believed to be around 92 percent in the city.

Clr Moyo said concerted efforts were needed to revive the city’s industries and formalise the informal sector in order to improve the livelihoods of ordinary residents.

The Mayor’s remarks come at a time when residents have openly expressed concern over poor service delivery and rampant water cuts over debts reportedly accrued due to estimated bills.