Chombo extends term of illegal commission running the capital

By Tererai Karimakwenda

13 December 2006

The minister of local government Ignatius Chombo has once again extended the term of office of the illegal commission he appointed to run the capital. A spokesperson for the Ministry of Local Government confirmed this on Wednesday as ruling party delegates settled into their annual conference in Goromonzi. This decision goes against the dictates of the Urban Councils Act which calls for elections after the first term of tenure of any appointed administration.

As we have reported many times, the extension is in direct disregard of the courts of law that ruled that the Sekesai Makwavarara led commission was not a legal entity. It also goes against the wishes of Harare ’s ratepayers who elected a mayor and councillors only to have them removed by Chombo in 2004 over trumped up charges. Furthermore, residents are fed up with extremely poor service delivery and ever-increasing rates. With legal decisions being ignored and peaceful protests being met with brutal assaults, residents are running out of options.

Mike Davies, chairman of CHRA is reported to have called on residents to resist this violation of their rights through demonstrations that send a clear message to the authorities.