Residents revolt against BCC

EFFORTS by the Bulawayo City Council to implement the Bulawayo Public Transport Policy has hit another snag with Luveve and Cowdray Park residents petitioning Government, calling for the immediate dissolution of the local authority, citing corruption and unfair handling of the policy.

Government has on the other hand emphasised the need for the local authority to consult widely before the implementation of the policy.

In an interview with Sunday News, Local Government, Public Works and National Housing Minister Dr Ignatius Chombo said while the implementation of policy was a positive move, there was a need for the local authority to consult all stakeholders.

"I have always emphasised the need for councils to consult their residents before implementing any policy. If the Bulawayo City Council genuinely consulted there wouldn't be any problems but my advice is that they go back to the drawing board and engage all the stakeholders," said Dr Chombo.

Transport and Infirastructural Development Minister Dr Obert Mpofu said his Ministry had advised the local authority not to make the proposals compulsory and shutting out other individuals with an interest in operating in the city.

In the petition sent to Dr Chombo and copied to Dr Mpofu and Provincial Affairs Minister Cde Nomthandazo Eunice Moyo, the residents alleged the policy was biased in favour of the Bulawayo Public Transport Association (Bupta) at the expense of Tshova Mubaiwa Private Limited.

Going under the name Abandoned Residents, the residents further alleged that the local authority's engineering director; Engineer Simela Dube was part of the Bupta board of directors including Mr Wisdom Siziba and Mr Elliot Paniso whom they alleged were all council employees.

"After a thorough study we realised that the draft has a bias and was in favour of Bupta the company whose directors are from BCC, namely Wisdom Siziba, Elliot Paniso including Director of Engineering Services Mr Simela Dube. We then rejected the draft and instead advised the mayor (Councillor Martin Moyo) to intervene and stop this rot but in vain.

"And in response, we have notified the Mayor of Bulawayo through the copied letter to Dr Obert Mpofu that we won't allow such a illful thing to happen to us, but it seems these guys are stiff-necked and adamant They continue neglecting people's views and announcing this proposed programme of theirs, and also in response, we have resolved to pray your worship to come and dissolve this whole council," reads the petition in part.

The residents further allege that the local authority altered minutes of an outreach meeting where they allege Luveve and Cowdray Park residents had clearly opposed the coming in of Bupta commuter omnibuses in the two suburbs.

They allege the Bupta directors went on to allocate themselves routes which had most activity.

"Cowdray Park and Luveve including Pumula and Nkulumane is green belt in business of commuters and in this regard these directors thought it wise to have only their omnibuses plying those routes elbowing out Tshova Mubaiwa using their tricky draft transport policy.

"We cannot be taken for a ride by a handful (of) individuals against the will of the people, it seems these guys have abandoned the people and focused on their personal interests, we are tired of this dictatorship and we can't stand it anymore. Presently we are in pursuit of mobilising a strong demonstration against these guys, but have decided to contact your office for assistance before," reads the petition.

The residents further bemoan that the councillors themselves routes which had most activity.

"Cowdray Park and Luveve including Pumula and Nkulumane is green belt in business of commuters and in this regard these directors thought it wise to have only their omnibuses plying those routes elbowing out Tshova Mubaiwa using their tricky draft transport policy.

"We cannot be taken for a ride by a handful (of) individuals against the will of the people, it seems these guys have abandoned the people and focused on their personal interests, we are tired of this dictatorship and we can't stand it anymore. Presently we are in pursuit of mobilising a strong demonstration against these guys, but have decided to contact your office for assistance before," reads the petition.