State security barred mobile toilet for Nkomo funeral

The mobile toilet was however not used as state security agents reportedly barred council staff from mounting it. No reasons were given for barring the council from mounting the mobile toilet.

A detailed report of the BCC latest council meeting reveals that the struggling local authority incurred a loss of $373.86 transporting the mobile toilet to the late Nkomo’s residence.

“The Director of Health Services (Dr Zanele Hwalima) reported that the organisers of VP J Nkomo’s funeral had booked and paid for a mobile toilet to service mourners. This had been duly delivered and installed.

“On 20 January 2013, in consultation with the Town Clerk after it had been observed that the one toilet was inadequate, arrangements had been made to avail a second mobile toilet.

“However, when they arrived at the Late VP’s residence, council staff were denied access and therefore could not install the toilet which they then towed back to the depot,” reads in part the council report.

The council report said the costs incurred in availing the mobile toilet were $243.48 for overtime for staff and $130.38 for charge-out rate for vehicles.

Council however resolved not to pursue the $373.86 from the family of the late VP for the mobile toilet. The late VP passed away last month at the age of 79.

Nkomo had been suffering from a cancer-related illness in the last few years that saw him being in and out of hospital while at times he was airlifted to hospitals in South Africa for specialist treatment.

He was declared a national hero and buried at the Heroes Acre. The late Nkomo became the fourth VP to die in office after the Joshua Nkomo, Simon Muzenda and Joseph Msika.