Councillor Gomba in alleged House Takeover in Glen Norah
www.hrt.org.zw ALERT - 3 JUNE 2011
“Councilor Gomba in Alleged House Takeover”
Glen Norah- COUNCILOR Hebert Gomba of Ward 27 here has once again clashed with residents leaders from the HRT Glen Norah Residents Committee after he recently attempted to take over a house that he was once suspended for attempting to take over. The HRT has received a report that Councillor Gomba continues to threaten a council employee Ndakaitei Masutso, age not given, and her husband Mr. Tonhodzai Togara, 37, who are staying at house number 4910 Glen Norah “A” Nata Lane Street. The occupant of the house is a council employee in the Department of Housing and Community Services, stationed at Glen View District Office.
According to the received report from the victims, Councillor Gomba has allegedly made repeated threats against them. The councillor has reportedly told them that he has been allocated House Number 4910 in Glen Norah A’ by the Director of Housing and Community Services. Councillors are supposed to be allocated one residential stand in their respective wards and Councillor Gomba was allocated a stand in Waterfalls, where he has almost finished the house construction. Yet he still wants to use his authority to displace council employee and her husband.
If at all the Director of Housing gave this order, the HRT would want to see the documents he wrote authorizing the councillor to displace a bona fide council employee. Documents in possession of the HRT indicate that the housing bill for the house in question for April 2011 show that indeed Councillor Gomba’s name is now appearing on the house indicating a debt of US$1749. It is unacceptable and should be reversed immediately. The occupants of the house can no longer pay their monthly bills to council.
The HRT Glen Norah Residents Committee Chairperson Juliet Masiyambiri said if it was true that Councillor Gomba has attempted to take over the resident’s house, then the law must take its full course. This is corruption, abuse of office and authority. The HRT remains concerned how a mere apology to the Minister of Local Government, Rural and Urban Development by Cllr Gomba at the time other councillors facing similar charges were suspended and subsequently dismissed could earn him his council seat. The Minister reinstated Councillor Gomba while Harare Councillors Maxwell Katsande (Ward 26), Silas Machetu (Ward 25), Johnson Zaranyika (Ward 39) and Paul Gorekore (Ward 3) were dismissed.
Councilors are supposed to protect the electorate irrespective of their political beliefs, religion or other interests. This latest revelation on Councillor Gomba’s conduct leaves the HRT in no doubt that accusations by some councillors that Councillor Gomba has struck a strong relationship with the Minister of Local Government, Rural and Urban Development, allegedly premised on business dealings have legitimacy. Councillor Gomba was set to visit the HRT offices this Thursday 2 June 2011 at 2pm to discuss this and several other issues concerning his ward but he did not turn up. The HRT calls upon the Mayor and the Department of Housing and Community Services to safeguard this couple from eviction from their house. We cannot be having a situation whereby councilors connive with city management to grab council property. To Councillor Gomba we say that we have had enough of your nonsense from the residents of Glen Norah whom you claim to be representing. This behavior should stop and must stop now!
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