Chombo commission must go

The Resident and Ratepayers Associations and civic organisations said the situation in the town had worsened and warranted a demonstration by stakeholders to express their displeasure. Irate residents accused Local Government and Urban Development minister Ignatius Chombo of suspending the democratically elected MDC-T led council and staffing it

with well known Zanu (PF) apologists. Last year, Chombo suspended acting town secretary Moses Chiraya and MDC councillors on trumped up charges of corruption and embezzlement of council funds, but has failed to produce evidence to substantiate the alleged claims.

Engineer Chiraya and MDC-T councillors have denied the allegation, saying their suspension was a politically-motivated move aimed at weakening MDC-led councils. Residents blamed acting town secretary Darlington Museka, a well known Zanu (PF)

supporter, for worsening their problems by failing to improve service delivery. Since they took office last year they have not done anything to improve service delivery,said Mike Ndamuka of Vhengere township.

Residents complained that they had not had water for a long time and were forced to draw water from unprotected wells. A survey by this paper indicated that service delivery in the town has virtually collapsed with heaps of uncollected garbage becoming a permanent feature. The roads are full of potholes, putting the safety of motorists in danger.

Its up to us to remove those people from office if they fail to deliver. These Zanu (PF) officials are just siphoning council funds for nothing, said Makanyara Hove of Tsanzaguru township. Sources in the council said UNICEF had initially planned to assist the troubled town of Rusape, but has since pulled off due political interference by Zanu (PF) politicians.