Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya-Beitbridge Bureau
ZANU PF’s Cde Thamson Lamula Ndou was yesterday sworn in as councillor for Ward 14 under the Beitbridge Rural District Council (RDC) after being elected unopposed following the death of the ward’s previous representative.
Cde Ndou automatically assumed the position after no other candidate filed nomination papers during the nomination court sitting held at the RDC offices on January 21 last month.
The Ward 14 seat fell vacant in December last year following the passing on of Councillor Milton Ndou.
A well-known farmer in the Mazunga area, Cde Ndou had earlier emerged victorious in Zanu PF’s primary elections, paving the way for his uncontested election.
Beitbridge RDC chief executive officer, Mrs Kiliboni Mbedzi, who presided over the swearing-in ceremony, said the process was conducted in accordance with local government laws and procedures.
“The council has also recommended that he joins the Social Development and Community Services Committee as well as the Natural Resources Conservation and Tourism Committee, where the late Councillor Milton Ndou also served,” said Mrs Mbedzi.
Speaking during the ceremony, Beitbridge RDC chairperson Cllr Oscar Chiromo urged the new councillor to prioritise community engagement and inclusive consultations to drive development initiatives.
“We welcome you and congratulate you. Now is the time to work. You need to value the input of the community, traditional leaders and other development agencies and stakeholders for you to succeed,” said Cllr Chiromo.
Zanu PF central committee member Cde Metrine Mudau, who also attended the event, encouraged Cde Ndou to embrace collaboration and focus on service delivery in line with national development aspirations.
In an interview, Cde Ndou pledged to prioritise community engagement and consultations, adding that he intends to continue infrastructure projects initiated by his predecessor.
These include the rehabilitation of roads and bridges as well as the construction of a secondary school to serve children in the largely resettlement area.
