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Gibson Nyikadzino Herald Correspondent
Zanu PF Harare Ward 21 councillor Cde Pedzisai Sakupwanya yesterday took his oath of office before acting Town Clerk Mr Mabhena Moyo at the swearing-in ceremony held at Town House saying his March 26 election shows that people still have faith in the ruling party.
Clr Sakupwanya, who was recently appointed president of the empowerment lobby group Affirmative Action Group (AAG), said he is happy to be the only Zanu PF councillor representing Zanu PF in Harare and is ready to show those in the opposition “how things are done”.
“I am happy being the only councilor representing Zanu PF in Harare because those in the opposition thought they were the only ones deserving the people’s mandate to lead in Harare.
“But my election here shows that people have faith in me as a young person representing Zanu PF. For 25 years Mabvuku Ward 21 was in the hands of the opposition and service delivery had gone down, garbage went uncollected and many things were not being done,” he said.
Clr Sakupwanya said his victory margin over other contestants provided a cushion to Zanu PF that the party would retain the local council seat in next years harmonised general elections.
“I look forward to retain the seat in 2023 and my victory margin in the just -ended election is evidence that I am going to win in 2023. It was unbelievable. During the by-election, many people voted for Zanu PF in my ward, even those in opposition voted for Zanu PF,” added Cde Sakupwanya.
The new councillor has already started projects for the people in his ward and has so far bought three lorries for refuse collection. He is also creating job opportunities for the youths so that they derive economic benefits from business ventures in Mabvuku.
Clr Sakupwanya pledged to fulfil promises he made during his campaign, among them drilling boreholes, building a clinic that will provide free quality health care and providing an ambulance.
After the swearing in ceremony, a motion was put before councillors to elect a new mayor. However, it hit a snag as the quorum was not properly constituted.
Contributing to motion, opposition CCC councillor for ward 41, Ms Kudzai Kadzombe, admitted that the opposition-run council had failed to serve the people.
“There is a crisis in Harare. A crisis of uncollected garbage. Before we were recalled, council had 25 refuse trucks, but now it has only five refuse trucks working. Even salaries are now being paid according to alphabetical order,” she said.
Online Reporter