The Movement for Democratic Change leader, Morgan Tsvangirai has castigated plans by the Minister of Local Government to dissolve the elected council of the city of Harare while intending to replace it with an unelected council.
Reports indicate that Minister Saviour Kasukuwere threatened to dissolve the MDC-T-dominated Harare City Council over the appointment of a new town clerk, James Mushore.
Addressing members of the press, Tsvangirai says his party is mounting an urgent court application to the high court to stop minister Kasukuwere from interfering in council business.
“In view of the minister’s threats to the city of Harare, the MDC is mounting an urgent application to high court of an interdict to stop the minister’s actions,” he said.
He said that Zanu PF and its ministers have no zeal to align laws to the new constitution.
“Zanu PF party has shown absolutely no appetite for the implementation of the new constitution, only a handful of laws have been represented to parliament for consideration.
“We face yet another challenge in that the Minister of local government has threatened to dissolve the elected council of city of Harare and to replace it with an unelected commission,” fumed Tsvangirai.
He added that the Minister Kasukuwere does not have the powers to sack councillors.
“The minister no longer has the authority to dismiss or suspend councillors outside procedures laid down in the constitution and does not have the power to appoint a commission to run the city’s affairs.
Minister Kasukuwere, however scoffed at the claims by the MDC leader saying his ministry will not tolerate nepotism and corruption.
@263Chat @mrtsvangirai He is not serious . Will not allow illegality to reign . Corruption and nepotism has to go.
— Hon S Kasukuwere (@Hon_Kasukuwere) April 20, 2016