Harare, Byo need executive mayors, says Jacob Mafu...

Harare, Byo need executive mayors, says Jacob Mafume

Bridget Mabanda

Government must revisit the position of an Executive Mayor for local authorities as it is key in decision-making and development of the city, Mayor Councillor Jacob Mafume has said.

In his end of the year speech, Mafume explained the importance of the position in efficient management of local authorities.

“We need an Executive Mayor, who is protected from Ministry of Local Government politics and interference, for functionality and management of Town House bureaucracy.

“In 2008, through the amendment of the Local Government laws, the post of Executive Mayors was abolished in Zimbabwe. The authorities had their own reasons, but the pressures and the demands call for a relook into this,” he said.

Cllr Mafume said the interference by government is hindering development of the city.

“The budget for Harare can be compared to budgets of some African countries, but we continue to suffer interference which chokes development.

“The institution of the Office of Mayor is acknowledged in section 277(2) of the Constitution, underscoring its importance in Zimbabwe,” said Mafume.

Cllr Mafume said mayors of Harare and Bulawayo do not have executive powers yet they play a significant role and are quite influential in the development and running of city affairs.

He claimed the Mayor of the City of Harare, after the President, is the second most powerful measurable public service deployment but they lack powers.

Mafume added that the issue of an Executive Mayor is an important subject for debate with the authorities in 2023 and City needs a governance structure that works and delivers enhanced service delivery for the citizens.

“I propose that Harare requires two positions of Deputy Town Clerks to assist on the administration of the City Affairs as the City is growing and as such the Town Clerk requires adequate support in managing the day-to-day operations,” he said.