…stakeholders urge ministry to auction vehicles in question
Emmanuel Chitsika
The Ministry of Local Government and Public Works has finally reacted to the petition letters written by stakeholders in Bikita over alleged malpractices and corruption-related actions by council management.
After stakeholders who include Bikita Business Association (BBA), Bikita Residents Association (BIRA) and Duma Residents and Ratepayers Association (DURRA), petitioned the parent ministry to intervene, the wait is over as a four member delegation form the ministry’s head office held meetings with them on July 20, 2022.
The delegation reportedly led by one Simbiso Dauramanzi had a meeting that lasted for at least four hours though council officials were not part of the proceedings.
BIRA spokesperson Mark Mutengani confirmed the meeting and some of the resolutions the stakeholders presented to the delegation.
“We were invited to a meeting by an investigating team from the ministry’s head office that was on a fact finding/investigation mission. The team has been here since Monday (July 18). They wanted to gather information on the vehicle purchase issue as well as borehole drilling saga,” said Mutengani.
He also outlined some of the resolution proposals they presented to the delegation.
“On the vehicle purchase scandal, we resolved the vehicles be auctioned for the purpose of channelling the proceeds towards buying essentials like fire tender, ambulances or even the sewer reticulation system in Duma suburb. On the issue of borehole drilling scheme, we called for a thorough investigation into the matter for the sake of establishing the actual cost of the boreholes as well as the tenders involved. The officials however promised to make site visits to the boreholes.
“We also proposed an immediate stop on parceling out of stands on wetlands and drill boreholes for the affected communities to avoid likely disease outbreaks. Since residents pay development levies, we encouraged council to ensure the revenue goes straight to the intended purposes.
“As concerned residents, we also urged the officials to consider a lifestyle audit on council employees since we feel their lives are highly questionable,” he added.
DURRA secretary William Mutseneki also echoed Mutengani’s sentiments though he said they also presented on the need for council to value stakeholders’ input on priorities.
“Even if we submit on five year plans, our input is left out and we wonder why council always ignore us despite being key stakeholders.
“We presented our wish for council to be considerate of all stakeholders’ views and work together towards development,” said Mutseneki.
However, contacted to comment on the meeting, one of the officials declined to comment and said the ministry or District Development Coordinator (DDC) is the rightful authority to do so.
“I am not allowed to comment on such issues. Either you call the DDC or the ministry head office,” said the official.
Bikita RDC has been embroiled in a number of disputes with resident associations and business community after the former purchased six top of the range Toyota Hilux GD6 for Head of Departments before privatising the registration plates.
