Community Water Alliance today launched a High Court application, case number HC 7858/18 against the appointment of Caretaker Commissions by the Minister of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing Hon July Moyo.

The urgent chamber application in which Community Water Alliance (CWA) is the first applicant, Combined Harare Residents Association (CHRA) and Chitungwiza & Manyame Residents Association (CAMERA) as second and third applicants respectively, seeks to nullify the illegal appointments which chew money generated from rates payments. The applicants saw it grossly unreasonable for the Minister of Local Government to saddle ratepayers with an unjustifiable and unnecessary expense in circumstances where Councils are already experiencing financial constrains.

This is a follow-up action from Community Water Alliance’s letter dated 17 August 2018, where the water movement sought an explanation from Town Clerks of Local Authorities on complacency to ensure councilors take oath of office as defined on Section 47(3) of the Urban Councils Act.

Section 277(3) of the 2013 Constitution of Zimbabwe states that ” except as otherwise provided in subsection (2) or an Act of Parliament, mayors, chairpersons and councilors of local authorities assume office on the ninth day after the announcement of the results of the general election in which councillors were elected”. On 02 August 2018 announcement of the results of election of councilors was made by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission. Since then the ninth day expired on 11 August 2018.

We implore the Minister of Local Government to respect constitutional provisions and act in a manner that promote rule of law. Rule by law will not improve service delivery at Local Authority level.

Hildaberta Rwambiwa
National Chairperson
Community Water Alliance