Bulawayo Mayor defends Victoria Falls induction retreat

Bulawayo mayor Solomon Mguni has sprang to the defence of his fellow councillors after the city fathers came under a barrage of criticism for choosing to hold their induction retreat in the resort town of Victoria Falls.

An outcry among residents, activists and civic society this week emerged following news that the city fathers had slated their retreat, which started on Monday and is ending on Friday, in the border town. Some took to social media to express their views.

"For us it's problematic, it shows poor prioritisation of funds at a time the city fathers are complaining about inadequate revenue collection, so we believe that BCC could have saved a lot by choosing their retreat at a cheaper place like Matobo Hills," Bulawayo Progressive Residents Association (Bpra) spokesperson Zibusiso Dube told Southern News.

The mayor, who is also part of the week-long sojourn, said the onslaught against the councillors was uncalled for.

"This induction is a ministry of Local Government programme, In fact it's one the local government programmes," Mguni told Southern News.