THE Gwanda Town Council yesterday conferred Gwanda Central MP Edison Gumbo and two former MDC councillors Themba Nyoni and Japhet Mkhwananzi with the alderman status after having each served as councillors for more than a decade.
ALBERT NCUBE OWN CORRESPONDENT
Nyoni and Mkhwananzi, who both lost in the elections last year, had been councillors since 2003 while Gumbo was first elected councillor in 2002.
Mkhwananzi is the father of incumbent Ward 2 councillor Butholezwe. Gwanda mayor Knowledge Ndlovu thanked the three for working hard in developing the town during their tenure. He challenged incumbent councillors to emulate the three aldermen.
The achievements made by the three were listed as upgrading of the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (Zinwa)-administered water treatment plant, donation of land measuring 87 hectares and the construction of the five megalitre reservoir which is almost complete. Council also successfully lobbied for the reduction of Zinwa water tariffs.
Addressing the gathering after signing the roll of alderman certificate and receiving alderman badges, the three said they felt honoured by the elevation.
Nyoni and Mkhwananzi advised councillors against in-fighting, but to work towards the development of the town. Gumbo said he remained a councillor in Parliament where he still represents Gwanda.
