ZANU PF to reclaim urban councils 

ZANU PF to reclaim urban councils

Hosia Mviringi

President Mnangagwa has declared that the ruling ZANU PF party will take back control of the urban councils of Zimbabwe in the 2023 general elections.

Addressing delegates at the official launch of the Aspindale Park and Aspire Heights Development in Harare yesterday, the President said that the party’s agenda for the upcoming elections will prioritise the reclaiming of urban councils for the party, signalling a renewed determination to strengthen the party’s political dominance in the country major cities.

In the clearest yet sign of his party’s resolve to permanently deal with the problems associated with the unlawful allocation of residential stands in urban centres, which he attributed to high-profile officials, the President taunted Harare Mayor Councillor Jacob Mafume as he reminded him that time was now up for the opposition councils.

“Is Jacob Mafume here? This time we will take control of the councils in the coming elections. The Councils (opposition-run councils) have failed to collect refuse, and potholes are everywhere. Local authorities are reminded that the provision of often interlinked and functional facilities remains imperative.”

“To this end, the prioritisation of backbone infrastructure such as water, health, waste management, transport, and other related services is critical,” said the President.

President Mnangagwa’s bold proclamation comes as a serious threat and challenge to the opposition parties, which have maintained a tight grip on mostly urban councils since the turn of the millennium.

With the goal now set for 2023 harmonised elections, the contest for control of these councils is likely to be as heated as ever.

The President lamented the scourge of land barons who continue to fleece desperate home seekers of their hard-earned money while the city authorities watch from the sidelines. Such unlawful allocations have resulted in illegal residential properties sprouting in reserved areas and on wetlands, thus endangering the public from flooding.

“I have seen some settlements when I am flying out of the country. Some of the houses are so small, and I wonder if there are any toilets there. I also wonder if they have addresses. I am sure most of the people use their memory to locate them. We do not want such settlements,” said the President.

This was a major indictment on the City of Harare leadership, who have long lost control of developments within their jurisdiction, thereby invalidating their role as responsible authorities.