Sydney Mubaiwa

MIDLANDS BUREAU CHIEF

GWERU -The City of Gweru has plans to give council directors residential stands measuring 2 000 square metres each as part of their benefits.

In a notice seen by this publication, Acting Town Clerk Livingston Churu said the local authority made a resolution to allocate residential stands to its three departmental head directors early this year.

“At the 697th ordinary council meeting held on January 30, 2023, the City of Gweru resolved to allocate residential stands measuring 2 000 square metres to its directors as part of their conditions of service, namely the director of finance, director of health services and director of engineering services.

“In light of the above, the City of Gweru do hereby invites any person who objects to the proposal to lodge any objection with the town clerk’s office within 21 days from the date of the notice as provided in terms of section 152, subsection (2) of the Urban Councils Act (Chapter 15:29),” reads part of the statement.

However, Gweru residents took to their ward-based WhatsApp groups to register their displeasure.

“They (city fathers) should have at least concluded the issue of Mkoba 21 stands before awarding themselves these big stands,” said one resident.

Beneficiaries of Mkoba 21 stands bought the land in 2014, which the council is yet to fully service before the building commences.

Another resident suggested that Gweru United Progressive Residents and Ratepayers Development Association executive director David Chikore should spearhead a petition by residents to object to the move.

In an interview with The Mirror, Chikore said his association is looking into the issue.

“As a residents association, we are looking into the matter which is now of our interest. However, we also take this opportunity to encourage residents to make objections to the intended development.

” Council should give to the public and stick to its service delivery mandate,” he said.