File picture
…residents demand back council vehicle ‘irregularly’ sold to former town chair
Beatific Gumbwanda
Residents have attacked Chiredzi Town Council for approving the sale of a council Toyota Hilux D4D twin cab to former council chairperson Francis Moyo at a loss when the authority is struggling to raise money to improve service delivery.
New town chairperson, Gibson Hwende recetly called for a stakeholder meeting with residents’ organisations, business people and public transport operators in the council boardroom where complaints over the decision were heard.
Speaking during the stakeholder meeting, United Chiredzi Residents and Ratepayers Association (Uchrra) secretary general, Bernard Dhachi blamed council management for failing to protect residents against the ‘self-serving’ decisions of the previous council.
“Residents are complaining over a missing council vehicle registration Number ACO 5921 which we think was given to the former town chairman, Francis Moyo. We demand that the letter which purportedly came from (Local Government) minister July Moyo authorising the sale be read in public. We also demand that the current council makes a resolution to bring the vehicle back,” said Dhachi.
Chiredzi Residents and Ratepayers Association (Chirra) chairperson, Jonathan Muusha also weighed in saying he was prepared to talk to Minister Moyo against the decision.
“I am willing to square off with Minister Moyo concerning the issue of this vehicle. We cannot afford to give away vehicles while we are struggling to make Chiredzi sound. We are currently facing water challenges, meaning we cannot afford to let such an important asset go for no benefit,” said Muusha.
Chiredzi Business Community chairperson, Edmore Makovere said the decision was passed in late July when the nation was busy with elections therefore the new town chairperson should write to the minister requesting that the car be turned back.
“This makes us lose confidence in our council. That circular was supposed to be read to stakeholders before the vehicle had already been issued out. Let’s write to the minister so that the resolution can be reversed because currently, the new chairman is using his own vehicle while other councillors are also struggling,” said Makovere.
The vehicle was sold for around US$5000 after being serviced for US$20 000.local
