Zanu-PF, MDC-T councillors cross swords

A fierce fight has erupted among Zanu-PF and MDC-T councillors at six local authorities over who should attend a two-week technical cooperation programme in Germany early next month.

The trip has also raised eyebrows among residents who expressed fear that councillors and officials might end up claiming travel and subsistence allowances for the trip which was fully sponsored by the German Development Agency (GIZ).

Each of the six councils namely Chinhoyi, Kariba, Kadoma, Norton, Gweru and Bulawayo has been asked to send about eight delegates comprising councillors and technical staff.

The first group consisting of town clerks is set to leave for Germany on May 16.

A Chinhoyi councillor who refused to be named for fear of victimization said MDC-T councillors had been left out of the trip by their Zanu-PF counterparts who argued that it was now their turn to go on foreign trips.

When the issue was discussed, some Zanu-PF councillors made it very clear that only Zanu-PF councillors will benefit as MDC-T councillors turn is now over," the councillor said.

Chinhoyi town clerk Mazai Mangororo said the local authority was sending nine officials and five councillors from the water and sanitation committee.