BULAWAYO mayor Martin Moyo has dismissed as baseless allegations by the Affirmative Action Group (AAG) that the local authority’s image was marred by corruption and mismanagement
BY MTHANDAZO NYONI
The AAG recently accused the city of corruption and mismanagement. It filed an urgent chamber application at the Bulawayo High Court seeking the suspension of all councillors, and appointment of a commission of inquiry to investigate alleged tender irregularities at the local authority.
Moyo immediately called for a Press Conference on Wednesday to explain the City Council position on the issue.
The AAG was also irked by reports that contracts with a combined value of about $8,7 million were re-tendered or extended after companies either disappeared or failed to complete projects.
Defaulting companies allegedly worked in cahoots with senior council officials who played tender adjudication and supervisory roles, creating loopholes for manipulation in the bidding process.
The AAG took Moyo to task over council’s decision to sell land to his deputy, Gift Banda, under unclear circumstances.
Council in May granted Banda permission to buy 3,5 hectares of land valued at $130 000 for construction of residential flats at Ascot Race Course.
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During the Press Conference, Moyo advised AAG to report the matter to the police if they had evidence rather than going around making what he called “unnecessary noise”.
“Lately, the Bulawayo City Council has come under a variety of attacks and negative publicity. No thanks to the AAG. We are dismayed that the organisation we have always held in high esteem can stoop so low and behave like jilted teenage girls that are hysterical, irrational and vengeful,” Moyo said.
Moyo said BCC was the best run council in Zimbabwe, but it was disturbing that the AAG wanted to take that away using malicious means. “Bulawayo City Council continues to receive accolades as the best run city . . . but we are dismayed that the AAG wants to take that away from us by continuing to throw marks at our faces,” Moyo said.
“We are not saying we should not be criticised. We are amenable to criticism . . . we do not condone corruption, but if you have evidence of corruption, let us know or bring it to our attention so that when there is need to take action, we can do so.”
Moyo said some of the allegations like bribery were issues that needed to be reported to the police.
However, an AAG official who refused to be identified questioned why council had failed to respond on time. He said instead of shielding corruption, Moyo should seek the service of an independent auditor to look at their accounts.
