Another week, another Chombo ultimatum

Another week, another Chombo ultimatum

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By Staff Reporter

THE Government has issued Chitungwiza MDC mayor Misheck Shoko and his council another 48-hour ultimatum to improve the municipality’s service delivery or be sacked.

Local government minister Ignatius Chombo gave the deadline, a day after President Robert Mugabe addressed a rally in Chitungwiza, where he attacked Shoko and hinted that the MDC mayor would be fired.

The President also said he would talk to Chombo over a possible takeover of Chitungwiza by the government.

“We are giving you 48 hours to show significant change in service delivery failure of which we will take over the running of the town for the benefit of residents,” said Chombo.

At a weekend rally, Mugabe said: “ I will personally talk to Chombo over the issue of Chitungwiza. We want the government to get in and solve the problems here.”

Early this month, Chombo gave Shoko another 48 hours “to sort out things” in Chitungwiza, or risk unspecified action. After its expiry, Chombo appointed Chitungwiza’s district administrator, Godfrey Tanyanyiwa, a Zanu PF functionary to oversee the operations of council saying the MDC led council had failed to arrest the problem of water shortages, blocked sewer pipes, uncollected refuse, among others.

He also took over the approval of all financial transactions and left Shoko with no function except reporting for duty. Shoko has had a torrid time from Zanu PF supporters and government officials over the last two months.

His troubles began when placard-carrying Zanu PF supporters barred him from entering council premises for two days running. He has also been attacked by both Mugabe and Chombo and has been arrested once for allegedly inciting public violence.

The mayor cites lack of fuel to collect refuse and foreign currency shortages to buy new sewer pipes as the major drawbacks.
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