Govt extends commission mandate

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THE three-member commission appointed to administer Gweru City Council affairs has had its tenure indefinitely extended, with the government saying it was pleased with the commission’s efforts.

THE three-member commission appointed to administer Gweru City Council affairs has had its tenure indefinitely extended, with the government saying it was pleased with the commission’s efforts.

by Stephen Chadenga

Addressing council staff and the two newly sworn-in Zanu PF councillors at Town House last week, Local Government permanent secretary George Mlilo said the commissioners were “doing a sterling job” in turning around the city’s fortunes.

The commissioners were appointed in August following the suspension of Gweru mayor, Hamutendi Kombayi and 18 other councillors on allegations of corruption, incompetence and abuse of council resources.

gweru city council

“As far as the ministry is concerned, the commissioners are doing a good job in running the affairs at the city of Gweru and they will continue in their roles,” Mlilo said.

He said the new councillors for Ward 5 in Senga, Simon Chapukira and Ward 11 in Mkoba, Silas Zifuro, will work with the commissioners in executing their duties at council.

Mlilo’s remarks commending the commission led by former Masvingo town clerk, Tsunga Mhangami come amid reports that the commissioners had gobbled $67 000 in allowances in a period of two months, a charge they have denied.

The commission has made several sweeping changes at Town House, including effecting a 50% salary cut across the board, arguing that the council’s salary bill was unsustainable.

Other members of the commission are Mark Choga and Parenyi Chamunorwa.