THE 10 Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) councillors in the Karoi Town Council have been urged to respect the country’s laws and avoid corruption.
The CCC swept all the 10 seats in Karoi Town in the August 23 and 24 general elections.
The councillors were sworn-in at a colourful event last week.
Hurungwe assistant district development co-ordinator Friend Ngirazi warned the new policymakers to respect the rule of law and citizens’ rights to foster development.
“The elected councillors, as public officers must abide by the tenets of the Constitution which is the Supreme Law of the land,” he said.
“It must be respected as it caters for every citizen whose rights are equal and must not be discriminatory. We, therefore, implore you all to be the servants of the electorate and serve them well and honestly.”
Ngirazi also called on the councillors to work closely with residents and the business community to pursue the agricultural town’s developmental agenda.
“The Urban Council Act gives you basic guidelines on how to run the affairs of council, but you must get confidence from ratepayers and the business community that you represent.
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“Humble yourselves as you take office and remain accessible to residents’ needs. As elected public officers you are likely to face challenges but there is need to work for the common good of the town and not self-interest,’’ said Ngirazi.
A CCC senior official and former councillor, Abigail Usavi challenged the councillors to shun abuse of office and looting of council land.
“We warn you to shun abuse, especially residential and commercial stand looting that has become the order of the day in most councils that work closely with corrupt management across the country. Everyone will be monitoring how you discharge your duties so stand guided,” she said.
A local businessman, Nevison Mabonga, called on the new councillors not to abandon the voters.
“Let us all shun partisan politics and work together for the betterment of Karoi and Hurungwe district. We are a family and let us remain united for progress and development,” he said.
Ward 3 councillor Kudakwashe Chigumo pledged to work for the development of Karoi town.
“We are coming to you all so that you embrace this new team which aims to deliver. It needs everyone’s support and we will strive to engage everyone, including the downtrodden and marginalised communities. We need everyone (for our town to make progress,” said Chigumo, who is one of four CCC councillors who retained their posts from the previously Zanu PF-dominated council.
Acting town secretary Tongai Namusala said the councillors would be trained before choosing a chairperson and committees.
The CCC won in several major towns, cities and municipalities in last month’s elections.
