admin Leonard Ncube Victoria Falls Reporter
VICTORIA Falls councillors have expressed concern over the employment of people from outside the resort town in new projects, a development they say robs locals of job opportunities in their own area.
Most businesses in the resort town allegedly hire people from outside the town mostly from Harare, Bulawayo, Masvingo and Gweru.
Residents have alleged that even menial jobs are given to people from outside their area.
The issue was discussed at a full council meeting on Tuesday.
“We should be alerted whenever a new company opens in town so that we engage them and spell out Government policy that locals should benefit in terms of employment,” said Ward 6 Cllr Ephias Mambume.
Victoria Falls Mayor Councillor Sifiso Mpofu implored businesses to empower local people through giving them preferential treatment in terms of available jobs.
“We can’t have people being bused in for ordinary jobs that anyone can do. We would understand if that’s done for technical jobs. Victoria Falls also has able bodied people who must benefit,” said Cllr Mpofu.
“As much as it’s not our mandate as council to check on who gets employed where, it’s our wish as local leaders that local people benefit from available opportunities before anyone else.”
Hwange Rural District Council vice chairperson Cllr Mathew Muleya also expressed concern over failure to employ locals.
“We can’t allow a situation where people bring their relatives from elsewhere when there are people who can be employed locally. Residents and chiefs raised the issue and we are taking it seriously to correct this,” he said. — @ncubeleon.
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