A controversial activist is mobilising support for the
ouster of Bulawayo councillors so that they could be replaced by a
government-appointed commission.
Anglistone Sibanda of the government-aligned Church and
Civic Society Joint Forum told a public meeting convened by the Bulawayo
Progressive Residents’ Association (BPRA) that a commission was the only viable
route to solve problems facing the city.
He said the city needed an interim authority to run its
affairs, while the MDC, which runs Bulawayo, addressed its internal problems.
BPRA had invited to the meeting representatives from the
Combined Harare Residents’ Association and Gweru Residents and Ratepayers Trust
to share experiences with commissions in their cities.
At the end of the meeting, the residents agreed that
Bulawayo did not need a government-appointed commission.
“Residents resolved that they do not want an un elected
commission that will subvert the will of the people and democratic values and
principles taking over Bulawayo,” reads part of the resolutions from the Friday
meeting.
“Residents resolved that a forensic audit be carried out on
Bulawayo dating back 10 years. The forensic audit should quantify the economic
cost of corruption in Bulawayo.
“Residents resolved that corrupt councillors be recalled by
their party and by-elections be held to replace them.”
Last week, MDC deputy president Welshman Ncube warned
residents and pressure groups against agitating for a commission, describing it
as a coup against popularly elected councillors.
BPRA acting coordinator Emmanuel Ndlovu also distanced the
grouping from claims that it was behind calls for a commission to replace the
MDC-led council. Standard
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