Killer Zivhu wins unopposed

Businessman and Chivi Rural District Council chairperson Dr Killer Zivhu was on Thursday elected the Association of Rural District Council of Zimbabwe president uncontested at the associations' Biennial Congress in Harare.

Mangwe Rural District Council chairperson Roland Mafesi Ncube will deputise him as the first vice president, while Marondera Rural District Council chairman Councillor Patrick Chidhakwa was elected second vice president.

Speaking after the elections, Dr Zivhu thanked all the 60 rural district councils for showing confidence in him. "They said there was no need of an election because they believe that a candidate of my calibre can deliver to their expectations. I am very happy and appreciative of all rural district councils across the country.

"We came to power through Zanu-PF and first of all we need to make sure that in 2018, Zanu-PF wins the elections and its candidate President Mugabe is also voted into office. We are politicians, most people do not know that we are elected officials and we shall continue to make sure that our party is re-elected."

"Yes, we have a lot of problems that councils are facing, but I would want to assure Zimbabweans that as all district councils, we are working flat out to make sure that the pressing issues are attended to," he said.

Dr Zivhu said Zimbabwe was facing challenges as a result of economic sanctions and commended Government for persevering under difficult circumstances. Speaking at the congress, Rural Development, Promotion and Preservation of National Culture and Heritage Minister Abednico Ncube, urged rural local authorities not to serve personal interests, but those of the citizenry.

"Accordingly, you must take appropriate measures to address the totality of the developmental and other needs of all the people you lead. "It is imperative that local authorities take necessary steps to revamp their policies, systems, staff and committee structures and procedures so as to enhance their service delivery capacities."

"You would agree that currently there is an evident disconnect between the manner in which local authorities are structured and their expanded mandates and obligations as per the new constitution," he said. Minister Ncube said the matter demanded urgent attention of the ARDC leadership and individual councils.