News / National
MPs, councillors clash over devolution funds
02 Jul 2019 at 08:29hrs | Views
CHIREDZI West MP Farai Musikavanhu and Chiredzi North MP Roy Bhila have reportedly clashed with Chiredzi Rural District Council (RDC) councillors over a resolution by the latter to construct new offices using devolution funds.
According to a source privy to the matter, who spoke on condition of anonymity, Chiredzi RDC was allocated ZWL$3,8 million under the devolution fund, but has so far received around ZWL$600 000.
The RDC reportedly made a resolution to construct new offices to decongest the Town House, which they are currently sharing with Chiredzi Town Council without the two legislators' blessing.
The agreement was made in the presence of most of the 32 RDC councillors and Chiredzi South and East MPs Kalisto Gwanetsa and Denford Masiya, respectively, who just attended, but did not participate in the decision-making process.
However, Bhila and Musikavanhu tried to bulldoze their way into council business when they allegedly wrote to Masvingo Provincial Affairs minister Ezra Chadzamira, complaining that they were left out during the decision-making process.
They were, however, left with egg on their face when they were told by Chiredzi RDC chairperson Edward Matsilele last week that they (Chiredzi RDC) did not take instructions from MPs, but from Local Government minister July Moyo.
Bhila, however, insisted that he had the right as an MP to manage and monitor council business.
"I have the right to manage and monitor council business and every project they do. I am disappointed that they left us out. They made that decision the day the First Lady was supposed to come here. How was I supposed to attend two meetings at the same time?
"Why is it that only two MPs out of six attended? That decision should not stand because we did not attend. Even MPs from Proportional Representation did not attend, but they are part and parcel of the whole process," Bhila said.
Musikavanhu did not respond to the questions sent to him, when reached for comment.
According to a source privy to the matter, who spoke on condition of anonymity, Chiredzi RDC was allocated ZWL$3,8 million under the devolution fund, but has so far received around ZWL$600 000.
The RDC reportedly made a resolution to construct new offices to decongest the Town House, which they are currently sharing with Chiredzi Town Council without the two legislators' blessing.
The agreement was made in the presence of most of the 32 RDC councillors and Chiredzi South and East MPs Kalisto Gwanetsa and Denford Masiya, respectively, who just attended, but did not participate in the decision-making process.
However, Bhila and Musikavanhu tried to bulldoze their way into council business when they allegedly wrote to Masvingo Provincial Affairs minister Ezra Chadzamira, complaining that they were left out during the decision-making process.
They were, however, left with egg on their face when they were told by Chiredzi RDC chairperson Edward Matsilele last week that they (Chiredzi RDC) did not take instructions from MPs, but from Local Government minister July Moyo.
Bhila, however, insisted that he had the right as an MP to manage and monitor council business.
"I have the right to manage and monitor council business and every project they do. I am disappointed that they left us out. They made that decision the day the First Lady was supposed to come here. How was I supposed to attend two meetings at the same time?
"Why is it that only two MPs out of six attended? That decision should not stand because we did not attend. Even MPs from Proportional Representation did not attend, but they are part and parcel of the whole process," Bhila said.
Musikavanhu did not respond to the questions sent to him, when reached for comment.
Source - newsday
