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Minister Chombo's sincerity in the appointment of special interests Councilors
Combined Harare Residents Association (CHRA)
June 15, 2009

The Combined Harare Residents Association (CHRA) is deeply concerned with the controversy that surrounds the appointment of special interests Councilors in Harare. Minister of Local Government, Dr. Ignatius Chombo, was biased in his choice of special interests Councilors and he did not take into account the fact that these Councilors are supposed to enhance the work of the City Council and not just add to the number of Councilors at Town House.

Some elected councilors described most of the appointed and so-called special interest councilors as the 'eyes and ears' of Minister Chombo. Reports obtained by CHRA indicate that the councilors were appointed on the basis of their relationship with the Minister of Local Government. Examples are Councilor Marufu who is a brother to the First Lady; Councilor Torongo (Minister Chombo's former schoolmate); Nimrod Chiminya (Minister Chombo's brother), Councilor Musah Alana (whose father is said to have sponsored the ZANU PF campaigns during the March 2008 elections). Some of the elected Councilors have also pointed out that most of the appointed Councilors have not done anything meaningful in their areas of operation and some are also conspicuous by their absence at most Council meetings.

Out of the 11 appointed special interest councilors; only 3 seems to possess technical qualifications that. These are Sasha Jorgi (a Town Planner by profession), Ushewokunze and Mr. Magwaliba (a Lawyer).

Minister Chombo's sincerity in this issue is questionable especially taking into consideration the history of his continuous meddling with the operations of the City of Harare. Some residents have pointed out that the Minister wants to neutralize the MDC-led Council and also maintain his grip on the operations of Town House.

The Combined Harare Residents Association is against any tendencies of nepotism and corruption in the local governance system and will continue to expose and condemn such actions. The Association would also like to urge Councilors to be diligent in ensuring transparency in all decision making processes and also prioritize the interests of residents who elected them into power. CHRA will continue to advocate for a good, transparent and accountable local governance system and the delivery of quality and affordable municipal (and other) services on a non-partisan basis.

Visit the CHRA fact sheet

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