adminNqobile Tshili Chronicle Correspondent
RESIDENTS of ward eight in Bulawayo yesterday demonstrated against their area’s councillor, Shilla Musonda, accusing her of incompetence and being unfit to continue holding her position. The residents of the ward, which encompasses Mzilikazi, Nguboyenja and Barbourfields high density suburbs, marched to the mayor’s office at the City Hall to deliver a petition against Musonda.
They accused Musonda of arrogance and failing to work with the people to address problems in the ward.
“No service, segregation of residents by the councillor. She’s violent and uses abusive language whenever approached. She’s unapproachable. She threatens to remove orphans and old people from their houses,” reads part of the petition.
“Already she has given letters of notice of eviction to about six residents. At Burombo hostels she was informed about non-functioning ablution facilities and to date nothing has happened.”
The petitioners said Musonda does not want to work with residents’ associations in her area.
“Therefore as the residents’ association of Ward 8 we’re saying enough is enough. We want a leader not a ruler hence the vote of no confidence,” concluded the petition.
Mzilikazi Residents’ Association secretary general Tony Sibanda accused the councillor of making unilateral decisions that residents feel are detrimental to their interests.
Sibanda said their stand against the councillor was not political as lack of service delivery affects everyone regardless of political persuasion.
“This is an apolitical issue. People want service delivery because it’s not only Zanu-PF supporters who are affected,” said Sibanda.
The protesting residents were later dispersed by the police as they sang outside the mayor’’s office.
Musonda dismissed the allegations that were levelled against her.
“I saw them today but I don’t really know what they want from me. They’ve never called for a meeting with me.
“They’re complaining that Zesa disconnected electricity from them. How can I assist them when they’re not paying their bills?” she asked.
Musonda claimed the residents who came up with the petition were people who were against the MDC-T leadership in local authorities.
“They’re Zanu-PF supporters from Burombo and I know some of them. What they’re complaining about should be addressed by service providers not me. They’re not paying bills. They confuse my duties with those of council officials,” she said.
She said there are lot of developmental projects she had initiated in her area that had gone unnoticed.
“Why can’t they appreciate the developmental projects I’ve started? I opened a swimming pool, refurbished roads and spearheaded the opening of a pharmacy in the area. Do they want me to go to their houses and bath them? Is that the service delivery they want?” she asked.
Musonda said the petitioners’ purported vote of no confidence lacks legal force.
According to the country’s Constitution, An Act of Parliament must provide for the establishment of an independent tribunal to exercise the function of removing from office the mayor, chairpersons and councillors but any removals must be on the grounds of inability to perform the function of their office due to mental or physical incapability, gross incompetence, gross misconduct, conviction of an offence involving dishonesty, corruption or abuse of office, or wilful violation of the law, including authority by-law.
Such a law is yet to be promulgated in line with the country’s Constitution.
Online Reporter