Opinion / Columnist
MDC-T's failure to govern
10 Jul 2014 at 12:56hrs | Views
It is worrisome that the MDC-T so-called 'autonomous zones' where MDC-T leaders operate in their own isolated region which they believe is free from ZANU-PF governance, is not only highlighting abuse of power and corruption of the opposition party's town councilors but it also shows lack of quality service delivery.
It is well known that Chitungwiza is an MDC-T stronghold town which dominated by its members who lack good corporate governance. What is even surprising is that the Chitungwiza Town Council has been involved in a number of unclear operations that desired clarity. In that regard, Chitungwiza residents together with council employees had been suffering from poor standard services offered to them by their local authorities.
Many questions have been raised by the residents on whether these MDC-T councilors are really up to their business or they are there mainly because the posts that they held were vacant at that point.
The overzealousness and greediness by Chitungwiza MDC-T councilors has caused the town to be in a turnaround state where the residents have gone for months without tap water. In that same town, some areas are mounted with mushroomed dumpsites where flies and mosquitoes breed by each day, thus, paving ways for diseases such as cholera.
Remiss handling of Government duties by the local authorities in this town depict the fact that the MDC-T officials are inefficiency hence they abuse the powers that are devoted in them. Previous reports indicated that these councilors had secret bank accounts where they could deposit money that is outside their salary. This could also be another reason that could explain how corrupt these authorities are.
The MDC-T has to stop political games and start working for the betterment of the country. The incompetence of Chitungwiza Town Council is also noted when they employed a large number of workers whom they are currently failing to pay. About 1.700 employees who work in various council departments have gone for a period of eight to ten months without salary.
Chitungwiza Town Council should treat their employees with respect mainly because they provide a highly valued service essential for business success and increased productivity.
Good corporate governance anchors on accountability and transparency. Given the recent strikes by the Chitungwiza Town Council workers I consider it prudent for the local authorities to address and settle the problems besetting the employees as well as attending to their grievances rather than abusing and squandering council money.
To some extent the strike by the council workers was justifiable, though it is unethical and not allowed under the Labour Service Act, for workers in health department, fire brigade and sewer maintenance to go on strike. For that reason, the responsible authorities should urgently take action and put their house in order to avoid future happenings like that from recurring.
Source - Peacemaker Zano
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