Maravi

Kunda asks mayors to desist from making political statements

Kunda asks mayors to desist from making political statements
By Agness Changala
Wed 28 Oct. 2009, 04:01 CAT

VICE-President George Kunda has asked mayors to desist from making statements that are perceived to be political. During the installation ceremony of the Lusaka mayor and his deputy on Monday, Vice-President Kunda said political partiality could not be entertained on the part of mayors, as they were civic leaders.

“I wish to comment with great concern on the recent press statement made by a named mayor regarding the presidential visit to Kasama. As a mayor, one becomes a city or municipal father/mother as such political partiality cannot be entertained,” he said.

Vice-President Kunda said political partiality in the administration of duties in the office of mayor was a drawback on the developmental efforts of the council.

Prior to the Kasama Central by-election, Kasama mayor Fidelis Chishoma warned that President Rupiah Banda should not be surprised if he received a hostile reception in Kasama for his bad leadership.

And Vice-President Kunda said this year's Constituency Development Funds (CDF) would only be released to the councils once they retired the funds, which were disbursed last year.

He said the management of CDF had remained a challenge for most councils.
He warned that the government would not tolerate the misuse and misappropriation of public funds.

Vice-President Kunda challenged councils in the country to devise alternative means of raising revenue.

“In particular, councils countrywide should intensify on the rate collection efforts. There are a lot of properties countrywide which should be included in the rating rolls of various councils,” Vice-President Kunda said.
Lusaka mayor Robert Chikwelete urged the central government to be effective enough by releasing funds on time.

Chikwelete said the K10 billion that was provided to the council for the construction and unblocking of drainages in the city was a drop in the ocean.
Chikwelete thanked his fellow councillors for re-electing him to serve as mayor of Lusaka and pledged his commitment to making the city better.

Labels: GEORGE KUNDA, KASAMA, MAYOR

posted by MrK @ 3:58 AM