Byo Councillors Declare Assets

BULAWAYO — Two councillors—from Nketa and Nkulumane—were the first to declare their assets during a community meeting held at Nkulumane hall yesterday in a move set to enhance local government accountability and transparency.

THE CITIZEN BULLETIN. 15 NOV. 2018 — Two councillors—from Nketa and Nkulumane—were the first to declare their assets during a community meeting held at Nkulumane hall yesterday in a move set to enhance local government accountability and transparency.

Councillors Rodney Jele (Ward 22) and Arnold Batirirai (Ward 24) registered their assets and interests with the Bulawayo Progressive Residents Association (BPRA) but requested the information to be withheld until the policy is approved by their party, the MDC Alliance—which has deferred the launch to Dec. 8, 2018.

The decision by Councillors to declare their assets comes at the heels of calls by the city’s residents under the banner of BPRA which recently petitioned the incoming city fathers to open themselves to public scrutiny.

Several councillors from the city have in the past been sucked into corruption scandals ranging from improper acquisition of council stands and maladministration of tenders.

Both the Constitution and the Councils Urban Act are mum about assets declarations and Councillors have in the past taken advantage of this loophole to engage in corrupt activities.

In separate interviews after the meeting, residents said the move by Councillors to declare assets and interests will enhance (their) accountability and help curb corruption, a policy which the new cohort of Councillors has adopted.

“Their determination shows transparency and this is the first step to anti-corruption,” said Hlalani Manyathela, a resident who attended the meeting.

 “I’m intrigued by the step taken by the Councillors and I wish this could go up to the top authorities in government so that there is more accountability and transparency within local and state government.”

Another resident Bekezela Mbambo said that the asset declaration policy would enable them to question councillors who will be seen accumulating more assets than they had declared. He, however, added that while Councillors must not engage in corrupt activities, they must not be scared to advance themselves.

“We mustn’t deter our Councillors from getting assets because they are also people and residents just like us,” said Mbambo. “With that little allowance, they get from the city council they must not be afraid to develop themselves. House stands must be advertised to the public so that everyone has a chance to follow procedures required to get a stand.”

BPRA Acting Coordinator Emmanuel Ndlovu said the asset declaration policy would enhance local government transparency and accountability and urged MDC Alliance authority to ensure that the program is adopted speedily.