Charlotte Musarurwa
Local Government Deputy Minister Mr Sesel Zvidzai is being accused by some MDC-T members of trying to arm-twist local authorities into awarding tenders to certain companies.

The past few weeks have seen several mayors who head MDC-T-dominated councils lodging complaints against the deputy minister’s conduct.

Gweru Mayor Mr Tedious Chimombe last week visited Mr Zvidzai’s superior, Local Government Minister Dr Ignatius Chombo, to register his displeasure. In a passionate plea, Mr Chimombe said the deputy minister’s interference in council matters was negatively affecting efforts to improve service delivery.
Dr Chombo confirmed receiving a complaint from the Gweru mayor, among others.

“Several mayors are complaining about the interference by deputy minister Sesel Zvidzai in their operations,” he said.
“Last week, Gweru Mayor Mr Tedious Chimombe came here complaining that the deputy minister has been forcing him into making decisions that are not in the interest of council, especially in the awarding of tenders and human resource issues.

“It must be noted that there is no room for such behaviour in Government structures as it defeats the whole essence of how a local authority should operate.”
Dr Chombo said he was yet to discuss the matter with Mr Zvidzai as the deputy minister had not been regularly reporting for duty.
“Obviously the most logical and professional thing to do is to meet and discuss the allegations being raised with the deputy minister, but he has not been reporting for duty.

“He is supposed to report to me officially, but I haven’t seen him in office for the past three months,” said Dr Chombo.
In a telephone interview, Mr Zvidzai, however, defended his moves, claiming that he had interfered with the running of Gweru City Council after noting that the mayor had made the wrong decision in firing workers.

“The mayor broke the law when he dismissed workers who had been declared innocent by an arbitration process. Those workers were supposed to be reinstated and I told the mayor to respect the law instead of concentrating on personal vendettas.
“Concerning the tenders, I want to put it on record that I have never interfered with any tender process. Interference can only come when council favours a more expensive proposal when there is a much cheaper alternative,” said Mr Zvidzai, who also dismissed claims that he was not reporting for work.