Reduce Political Interference In Day to Day Running of Local Authorities: ZIMCODD

Zimbabwe Coalition On Debt and Development (ZIMCODD) has recommended the Political Parties to minimise political interference in the day to day running of Local Authorities as it affects service delivery.

ZIMCODD noted with concern the negative effects of political interference in the day to day business of the local authority after MDC T leader Douglas Mwonzora in 2020 recalled 10 councillors and also recalled other 11 councillors this year.

In their Public Resources Management Situational Report September 2022 ZIMCODD highlighted there is need for decentralisation of power and full devolution.

“Increased political interference in the day-to-day running of local authorities such as continued recall of councillors and ministerial imposed procurement is negatively affecting service delivery. As such, there is a need for full devolution and decentralization of power (administrative, political, and fiscal) to increase the independence of LAs in their decision-making.

In terms of Section 129 (1) (k) and Section 278 (1) an elected Councillor or Member of Parliament is only recalled at the instigation of their political party, and never by ratepayers.

Early this year, Douglas Mwonzora recalled 11 councillors these are Lovemore Makuwerere (Ward 24, Highfield), Gilbert Hadebe (Ward 39, Dzivarasekwa), Munyaradzi Kufahakutizwi (Ward 19, Mabvuku), Simon Mapanzure (Ward 34, Mufakose), Charles Chidhagu (Ward 30, Glen View), Keith Charumbira (Ward 8, Highlands) and Steven Dhliwayo (Ward 40, Dzivarasekwa Extension). Others are Barnabas Ndira (Ward 21, Mabvuku), Chihoma Runyowa (Ward 29, Glen Norah A), Charles Joshua Nyatsuro (Ward 6, Avenues), and Deputy Mayor Enock Mupamawonde (Ward 35, Mufakose).

In July 2020 Mwonzora also recalled four Girisoti Mandere (Ward 45, Tynwald South and Kuwadzana Phase 3), Denford Ngadziore (Ward 16, Mabelreign), Jason Zivai Kautsa (Ward 37, Crowborough) and Tonderai Chakaredza (Ward 31, Glen View).

In August 2020, he also recalled six councillors, Hebert Gomba (Ward 27, Glen Norah B), Hammy Madzingira (Ward 10, Sunningdale), Kudzai Kadzombe (Ward 41, Marlborough), Gaudencia Marere (Ward 32, Glen View), Costa Mande (Ward 24, Highfield), and Happymore Gotora (Ward 7, Avondale).