Local Government, Public Works and National Housing
Minister July Moyo has called on local authorities to formulate standing rules to
rein in councillors who attend meetings while drunk.
Minister Moyo’s call follows reports that some councillors
and senior council officials were failing to perform their duties and causing
problems during crucial council meetings due to drunkenness.
He said local authorities were State organs which should
not condone drunkeness or intoxication during crucial meetings.
Minister Moyo said it was pertinent for all local
authorities to come up with by-laws or standing rules to stop what he termed
counter-productive behaviour at full council meetings and other council fora.
He said the suggestion by some councillors to purchase
breathalysers to test alcohol influence on councillors and managers before
council meetings was very noble.
“Urban and rural councils are Government entities with the
right to formulate standing rules or policies regarding drunkenness during
meetings,” said Minister Moyo.
“Taking alcohol before full council meetings or any other
council portfolio meetings adversely affects the proceedings and resolutions
thereof.
“Councils can only be able to penalise those who get drunk
and disturb proceedings if they have laid down policies. Once local authorities
have managed to have such standing rules regarding drunkenness, they will be able
conduct disciplinary hearing for the errant officials.
“We expect all councils to deliver, but they cannot do so
if sensitive discussions on community are deliberated on by drunk people. That
will not grow the economy.” Herald
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