EU says closely watching Kasukuwere’s ministry

By Tatenda Dewa | Harare Bureau |

European Union (EU) member states in Zimbabwe have expressed concern at attempts to fast track a bill that would give the Local Government minister sweeping powers over councils.

The Local Government minister, Saviour Kasukuwere, is accused of rushing the bill that would empower him to fire mayors and has caused emotional debate in parliament.

This is despite the fact public hearings on the Local Government Laws Amendment Bill that have been marred by violence are not through.

The EU delegation on Thursday issued a statement in agreement with the bloc’s heads of mission in Zimbabwe, on lack of progress on devolution of power that is provided for by the constitution.

“The European Union is concerned by the lack of progress on the devolution of governmental powers and responsibilities to provincial and metropolitan councils and local authorities in line with the Constitution,” said the EU.

It added that it was “troubled by the way the adoption of a partial Local Government Laws Amendment Bill is being fast-tracked, before the completion of the public hearings and without allowing for due process by the full Parliamentary Legal Committee”.

Kasukuwere suspended and re-suspended the Harare mayor, Bernard Manyenyeni over alleged insubordination for backing James Mushore as the new town clerk at Town House.

However, the High Court on Wednesday reinstated Manyenyeni.

The minister suspended Mushore too, insisting that his appointment to replace Tendai Mahachi was irregular but the banker has also taken his matter to court.

Political parties and critics of President Robert Mugabe’s government saw the suspensions as part of a Zanu PF game plan to undermine urban councils that are dominated by MDC-T.

The EU said it had noted the ruling that reinstated Manyenyeni and his arrest by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission at the High Court shortly after the case, adding that it would “continue to follow the legal process”.

“The EU would like to express its dismay at the violent disruption of public hearings on the Local Government Laws Amendment Bill on 16 June in Harare and on the following day at Highfields,” said the bloc. Nehanda Radio