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“We are running a city and not playing politics. Mr Dube is just a dreamer who should not be listened to. How can he blame us for lack of water caused by drought? Who manufactures water? If he can produce water, he should be helping the city instead of howling about leaders,” fumed the Mayor.
He said Mr Dube should be informed that the supply of bulk water was the responsibility of the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (Zinwa) and not council.
“The man does not know that Zinwa is responsible for the dams and bulk water supply, council only distributes the water. His remarks show that he is in the dark about such issues,” said Clr Moyo.
The Mayor said Mr Dube should also know that it was untrue that council had failed to use money from Treasury until it was taken back. “I do not know about the money Minister Biti was talking about. We were given about $6,47 million in 2010 and we used it all. Actually, we are short of about $3 million to complete sewer rehabilitation projects that were left in progress when the money ran out,” said Clr Moyo.
He said the decision to implement water shedding was taken to prolong water in the supply dams until the next rainy season in November.
The Mayor said councillors would not be side-tracked from doing their duties by short sighted people who were dabbling in cheap politics.
Contacted for comment Mr Dube had an immediate riposte re-affirming his views and launching another attack on Clr Moyo and his councillors.
“I stand by what I said. The Mayor’s response shows the calibre of leaders that we have. Instead of being abusive, he should get out of his office and start lobbying Zinwa and the Ministry of Water to start putting in place the infrastructure needed to avoid water shedding in future,” said Mr Dube.
He said it was important for the Mayor to note that even if he considered him ignorant, he was a ratepayer who deserved an explanation on issues affecting services he paid for.
“Even if I am ignorant, I am not half as ignorant as he is. How can he not know about money that was talked about openly in the august House of Parliament? Is he saying Minister Biti is lying?” asked Mr Dube.
Mr Dube said he had never run for public office because he thought there were more capable people.
“However, I am disappointed that those I thought were better are actually worse. Clr Moyo should explain instead of being defensive. He is answerable to ratepayers,” said Mr Dube.
Londile Moyo
Online Reporter