Staff Reporter

President Emmerson Mnangagwa today took a swipe at the current crop of urban councillors, who corruptly abuse public offices at the expense of service delivery.

Speaking at the National Heroes Acre during the burial ceremony of the late National Hero Engineer Oliver Mandishona Chidawu, President Mnangagwa, regretted the destruction and ruin of the urban areas that were transformed into modern cities and towns by the likes of Cde Chidawu to be the pride of this nation.

“It is most unfortunate that the achievement and legacy of the likes of the late Engineer Chidawu have been ruined by the current crop of City of Harare Councillors.

“These opportunists have no affinity to improve the quality of life of our people and instead continue to abuse their public positions for personal expediency,” said the President.

The President called on all the residents in the country’s urban areas to restore normalcy through their vote in the 2023 Harmonised General Elections.

“This trend should not be allowed into the future.  Residents in our urban areas must take back their power by voting for men and women with vision, ingenuity and an unwavering passion to service in public office. 

“The current rot in Harare and other local authorities, under opposition parties must be brought to an end.  The 2023 Harmonised General Elections present a yawning opportunity for rate payers to correct the misnomer of having rogue and insensitive characters running our urban councils,” said the President.

Since the start of the millennium the opposition MDC/CCC has been in charge of most urban councils, leaving them in a deplorable state. The opposition-dominated local authorities have failed to provide basic services such as running water, efficient sewer systems and refuse collection. The Council’s Clinics have no basic medication and service is generally poor.     

Meanwhile, Cde Chidawu left behind his wife and children and a legacy of championship which is filled with integrity and professionalism.