“In most cases we are treated unfairly as women. Our male counterparts look down upon us and impose themselves in our wards, yet each councillor has his or her own territory,” said Ward 41 Councillor, Charity Bango, who is annoyed with the way councillors awarded a deal to Nondo Power (Pvt) Ltd to construct flats and housing units on Lot 5 Marlborough behind her back.
“I am the local councillor and not aware that a deal to construct about 10 flats in my ward has been sealed. It is my right to know what is happening in my ward so that I can be able to enlighten my people when they ask what is transpiring. It seems there could be some golden handshake for the approval of the deal,” she said.
Another female councillor, who spoke on condition of anonymity , said councillors pushing for the approval of the deal could have received some kickbacks. According to council minutes Nondo Power Company will develop flats and housing units in Marlborough, Vainona and DonnyBrook in Mabvuku.
Ward 36 Councillor, Loveness Gomba, said female councillors were operating in a hostile environment. “Whenever a female councillor debates in the chambers, our male counterparts frown. Oon February 27 I got a call from a private number from a man who was threatening to kill me for voting against the approval of a housing cooperative, which he did not mention by name,” she said. She made a police report but no arrests have been made so far.
Harare City Council has six female councillors out of 46 and only two are deputy chairpersons of committees.
Post published in: News