VICTORIA FALLS - Local Government Minister, Ignatius Chombo Chombo said he was appointing special interest councillors to the Victoria Falls Municipality because the current councillors lacked qualifications to deliver efficient services.
“Victoria Falls has politically elected councillors. There was no consideration in qualification when they came into office,” Chombo’s circular reads. “In order to fill gaps, the Minister will identify and appoint these councillors who will help the council deliver services to the satisfaction of residents of Victoria Falls.”
The development was confirmed by the Victoria Falls Town Clerk, Godfrey Maphosa in an interview.
Maphosa said that Victoria Falls would have two more special interest councillors in addition to the 11 elected councillors. Maphosa added that, according to the circular, the special interest councillors to be appointed by Chombo would be beefed up with skills to improve capacity in the council.
However, in the past Chombo has used this excuse to appoint defeated Zanu (PF) candidates to positions of power.
Chombo claims his ministry is mandated by the Urban Councils Act to appoint the councillors as a means of providing expertise. According to the Urban Councils Act, the appointed councillors are entitled to participate in the business of the council and perform the same functions as elected councillors. They are also entitled to the same benefits, but do not vote at council meetings.
Post published in: News