Secretary for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Harare Metropolitan Province, Mr Tafadzwa Muguti congratulates newly elected Mayor, Cllr Maiko and his deputy, Cllr Mutingwende.
The Secretary for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Harare Metropolitan Province, Mr Tafadzwa Muguti has implored the incoming Councillors to advance the objectives of the people they serve.
Mr Muguti said this in his remarks while officiating at the election of the Mayor and Deputy Mayor of the Municipality of Chitungwiza at the Council Head Office.
“It is my honor to address this August House today (18 September 2023) at the initial sitting of the 2023-2028 Municipality of Chitungwiza. I would like to start by commending His Worship, the Mayor of Chitungwiza (Cllr Lovemore Maiko) and the deputy Mayor (Councillor Jerita Mutingwende) for successfully being elected into these influential positions,” said Mr Muguti.
“We look forward to your best performance as you drive towards the improvement of livelihoods in Chitungwiza. Once again, allow me to also congratulate the Councilors who were elected on August 23, this year.”
Mr Muguti also reminded Councilors that they should operate under the confines of the law.
“The Urban Councils Act (chapter 29:15) clearly stipulates your mandate and encourages you to take heed of its dictates. In this case, we refer to it as your bible guiding your operations.
“Local authorities in the country, the Municipality of Chitungwiza included, play an important role in promoting sound local governance, undertaking and coordinating urban development to enhance the socio-economic development of Zimbabwe.
“Our Constitution seeks to promote democratic governance in local governance, through various sections which include sections 5; 264; 274 and 301. Furthermore, section 274 (1) of the Constitution provides for the management of the affairs of people in urban areas.
“Under section 274 (2) details and modalities in urban management are articulated, including the roles of Councilors, how they should operate and in principle they need to advance the objectives of the people,” he added.
He said, His Excellency, President Mnangagwa also emphasized that leaders should not continue with the “Shef” mentality, but be led by the people, that is putting service delivery first.
“Lastly, let me take this opportunity to thank the outgoing Mayor, His Worship Councillor Kiven Mutimbanyoka for leading the local authority to where we are today”.
In his acceptance speech, Mayor Maiko said was humbled to be elected into the higher office.
“I accept this office with a huge sense of responsibility and the agency of leadership in delivering quality service to the residents of our Municipality reliably.
“Councillors are residents first, before they are Aldermen and collectively, we shall remain conscious of this and plan, implement, and evaluate within the framework of this position. We owe it to the residents, and we are in a huge debt to them,” he said.
The event was attended by other government officials and different stakeholders drawn from Chitungwiza.
