adminBulawayo Bureau
Zanu-PF’S winning candidates in the recent by-elections for Wards 5 and 11 in Gweru have officially been inaugurated into office.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing Engineer George Mlilo swore in councillors Simon Chapukira and Silas Furo last week.
Eng Mlilo said the new councillors would assist the Tsungai Mhangami-led three-member commission to run the affairs of the city.
Eng Mlilo said the councillors had no power to veto the commission and their jurisdiction was restricted to their wards while the commission had overall control of Gweru.
“I have introduced to you the two councillors for Wards 5 and 11 following the firing of their predecessors over corruption. The councillors and the commission will work together. The councillors will assist the commission and not veto their decisions,” he said.
“The councillors can go into any committee of their choice and assist in the running of the council.”
Eng Mlilo said the commission was put in place after the suspension of Mayor Clr Hamutendi Kombayi and 10 councillors.
The mayor and councillors are fighting their suspension in court.
Eng Mlilo said until the matter before the courts is finalised, the commission will remain in place.
“We didn’t want a void in Gweru. There are funds that are collected and residents want service delivery. That’s why the commission was put in place. It will be disbanded if we have democratically elected councillors to run the city,” said Eng Mlilo.
He said the tenure of three-member commission had been extended indefinitely.
The commission, said Eng Mlilo, was doing a good job in turning around the fortunes of the city.
The commissioners were appointed in August following the suspension of the mayor and 18 other councillors on allegations of corruption, incompetence and abuse of council resources.
“As far as the ministry is concerned, the commissioners are doing a good job in running the affairs of the City of Gweru and they will continue in their roles,” said Eng Mlilo.
Other members of the commission are Mark Choga in charge of finance and Parenyi Chamunorwa in charge of administration.
Online Reporter