Maravi

(HERALD) MDC-T MPs petition party over graft

MDC-T MPs petition party over graft
Herald Reporter

FIVE MDC-T legislators from Chitungwiza have petitioned the party to investigate the opposition-led council in the area over alleged rampant corruption which they say has seen councillors’ fortunes balloon overnight.

In a letter addressed to the party’s secretary-general, Mr Tendai Biti, the legislators said they had unearthed stunning corruption by their councillors which they fear could erode the party’s support.

The legislators fingered mayor, Mr Israel Marange, and some councillors as being involved in clandestine deals involving the allocation of stands in return for kickbacks ranging from US$2 000 to US$3 000.

The lawmakers who signed the petition are Fidelis Mhashu (Chitungwiza North), Marve-llous Khumalo (St Mary’s), Misheck Shoko (Chitungwiza South), Alexio Musundire (Zengeza East) and James Makore (Chitungwi-za Senator.)

The legislators said they had observed deep-rooted corruption in council, which could see the electorate punishing them by voting the party out.

Contacted for comment, Mr Marange accused the petitioners of begrudging him and his administration.

"They are personalising issues instead of reading the Urban Councils Act. We gave some councillors stands, including the MPs themselves, after council felt that it would preserve their integrity, and all that was done in compliance with the rules."

A source close to Mr Marange said there was a ploy to stop Mr Marange from becoming provincial chairperson ahead of elections expected soon.

The source said the fight between legislators and Mr Marange was a sign of growing schisms within the party for the control of the party.

The source accused the lawmakers of covering up for alleged ineptitude, saying they were rarely visible in their constituencies while Mr Marange is seen working.

In their petition, the lawmakers said if the corruption remained unabated, it would weaken the party.

"Surely, this corruption will debilitate, weaken and dilute the strength of the party in Chitungwiza. The nature and intensity of the corruption is very worrying," read the letter delivered to Mr Biti’s office last weekend.

Mr Biti was yesterday reported to be on holiday in South Africa.

"The level of corruption is so wanton that in a short space of time, the quality of life of the concerned councillors has dramatically changed to the extent that ordinary residents are openly asking questions. The rate at which councillors are buying vehicles, building houses and shops bears testimony to this."

The legislators said Mr Marange, who went

into council in 2003 as a mere pedestrian with a single house, now owns a significant portion of the town in terms of assets.

They also drew the attention of the party leadership to the recent arrest of Mr Marange for allegedly asking for a bribe from a party youth member.

Mr Marange is said to have acquired an array of vehicles that include a Prado, Kombi, Colt, Nissan Navara, B18 Mazda and Nissan 2.7 D.

"Given this evidence that continues to mount, it is clear that the Chitungwiza mayor is unfit for such office. He, therefore, must be removed," read the petition.

Labels: CORRUPTION, MDC, TENDAI BITI

posted by MrK @ 8:31 PM