…as Zanu PF councillors steered away from the debate
By Chipo Gudhe
Mixed reactions came out during the Kwekwe City Council Full Council meeting yesterday as a heated debate over the allocation of prime land to GTS, a fuel seller, divided the house.
Councillor Kudakwashe Gwamuri raised serious concerns about the recommendation to allocate 3,508 square metres of land at Msasa Turn Off to GTS at US$20 per square metre, alleging procedural irregularities.
“This move stinks of maladministration and irregularities. How does a company go on to build structures before council resolves to allocate the land?” quizzed Gwamuri. He pointed out that GTS had already developed the land yet council was being asked to make a resolution to give them land.
The matter quickly took a political twist when Zanu PF councillors appeared hesitant to engage in the debate. Ward 8 councillor Makomborero Mlambo set the tone with a nonchalant response, saying, “I have nothing to say.”
Councillor Tapiwa Muganhu attempted to take a stand, stating, “We cannot keep on giving land to one person; this issue should go back to the housing committee.”
However, Mlambo interrupted, reminding him that the discussion concerned GTS. “Muganhu we are taking about GTS comrade,” he said with undertones of warning.
The tension escalated when Mlambo, who said he is Zanu PF’s Chief Whip, stood up and asked, “As the Chief Whip of Zanu PF, I ask the house to excuse Zanu PF councillors on this issue.”
The debate then shifted to opposition CCC councillors, who were equally split over the contentious issue. Councillor Mahapa, chairperson of the Housing Committee, advocated for adopting the resolution. “Let us just adopt the resolution to give GTS the land. What difference will it make as they have already built structures at the site. Please take note that these peple were given this land on a lease?” Mahapa argued.
However, Deputy Mayor Janet Ticharunga expressed bewilderment at the recommendation. “It boggles the mind how council is expected to make a resolution to give them the land when it’s already developed. I already see there is student accommodation, a swimming pool and other facilities there. But the good thing about GTS is that they help in beautifying the city, they do no take time to develop than others,” she said.
Councillor Judah, a Zanu PF councillor, suggested referring the issue back to the committee, echoing Muganhu’s earlier stance.
The land, identified as Stand 9303, is said to be situated near the GTS Service Station at Msasa turn off near Kwekwe Poly.
Councillors questioned how the company managed to develop the site without prior approval, raising suspicions of preferential treatment.
“This issue should be taken back to committee, how did they develop the land with no approval? Why are they being treated differently from the others. The committee said they were given the land on lease what were the terms of the lease. This information is half baked,” said Councillor Alex Senge.
Gwamuri said if the issue is left to sail through it sets a bad record.
“This sets a dangerous precedent. If we allow this, what stops other companies from doing the same?” he asked.
With no resolution reached, the issue was referred back to the housing committee.
