Put aside political differences, work: Beitbridge mayor

NEWLY-ELECTED Beitbridge mayor Councillor Morgan Ncube has called on residents and stakeholders to put aside their political differences and work towards accelerated infrastructure development and investment promotion in the town.

He said the town had bigger problems than political egos.

Clr Ncube (Ward 4), who is also the MDC-Alliance’s national youth organising secretary made the remarks in his acceptance speech at a swearing-in ceremony held at the local authority’s boardroom.

“I take this office at a time when we are confronted with a plethora of challenges that I do not need to overstress,” he said.

“It is against that background that I will immediately ensure that things are done. I assure you that it is no longer going to be business as usual.

“Firstly, we want to develop a shared strategic plan that outlines an inclusive vision for the municipality that must be deeply entrenched in the contributions of all stakeholders.

“In the interest of fighting all forms of corruption in our community, we are going to create several platforms where residents participate to enhance transparency.”

Clr Ncube said the election period was over and that it was time for people to come together and share ideas to promote economic and infrastructural development to turn the border town into a modern medium city.

Clr Ncube said they had crafted a number of development initiatives, which will be rolled out in order of priority.

“Water and sanitation issues are so dear to us as local policy makers,” he said.

“It has come to our attention that some of the water and sewer reticulation facilities are succumbing to wear and tear.

“We are going to start with refurbishments of such infrastructure, while also engaging in civil works.”

Clr Ncube said some of the programmes they have earmarked were investment promotion, resuscitation of healthcare services, housing development and public lighting among others. He said ratepayers and residents should also honour their bills to ensure that council is viable.

Speaking during the same ceremony, Beitbridge district administrator Mrs Kiliboni Ndou-Mbedzi said it was important for the local authority and the national Executive to complement each other on national economic development programmes.

“We urge the newly elected councillors to work together with other development agencies to promote socio-economic development in this area,” she said.