The Zanu PF led government is making strides to tighten its grip on city municipalities with new legislation, the Local Government Bill, that is currently being printed before its imminent tabling in parliament.
Local Government, Public Works and National Housing Minister Saviour Kasukuwere confirmed last night the latest development.
The introduction of the proposed legislation comes at a time when the Minister’s powers to suspend mayors and Councillors are being challenged.
Last month, Kasukuwere suspended Harare mayor Bernard Manyenyeni following his contentious appointment of banker James Mushore as city town clerk.
Recently, Bulawayo High Court judge Justice Nokuthula Moyo ordered Kasukuwere to immediately reinstate suspended Gweru mayor Hamutendi Kombayi and 10 councillors who were suspended last year for mismanagement among other charges.
Justice Moyo ruled that the Urban Councils Act that was used to suspend the city fathers contravened the constitution, the supreme law of the country.
She said the Constitution is the supreme law of the land and any law or Act which is inconsistent with it had no force or effect.
- Chronicle
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