ZimEye Feeds!

Government Plans to put councils under 'special' commissions

                                              By Vusi Moyo 20-09-08 1100

Bulawayo (ZimEye) -Government is planning to place the country's second largest city-Bulawayo under a commission to be headed by a ZANU PF loyalist.

The move which comes a week after the historic signing power-sharing deal between Zimbabwe's ruling Zanu PF party and two rival opposition factions is meant to redeem ZANU PF's presence in urban areas where it has lost control to the MDC.

The Bulawayo commission will be run by ZANU PF loyalist Omega Sibanda, a hotelier who is close to Dr Sikhanyiso Ndlovu.

Reports say, he will be assisted by Tryphine Nhliziyo another ZANU PF loyalist.

Sources within government say the new commission is most likely to be sworn in soon.

Latest amendments to the urban councils act give the parent ministry and the governor's office to give directives to council.

The March 29 elections saw ZANU PF loosing to MDC in urban areas.

The local government minister Ignatius Chombo has in the past fired mayors and installed commissioners who are loyal to the ruling party.

This has in most cases backfired because of the underperformance of the commissions.

Other cities that could end up with such commissions are Harare, Mutare, Gweru and Chitungwiza which are all opposition MDC run councils