By A Correspondent- Bulawayo mayor Solomon Mdala Mguni has torched a storm after the local authority offered him to rent a 2,5 hectare council plot for a paltry $165 (US$2) per month.

The advertisement dated May 29 by the town Clerk Christopher Dube stated that Mguni would engage in urban farming for 25 years on the piece of land located in Lower Rangemore.

Thus read the notice: “Proposed lease of Lot 3 Lower Rangemore to his Worship the Mayor Councillor Solomon Mguni, notice is hereby given in terms of section 152 (2) of the Urban Councils Act (Chapter 29:15) that the council intends to lease Lot 3 of Lot 3 Lower Rangemore in Extent approximately 2,5 hectares as shown on the drawing number TPA 8942 to his Worship the Mayor…”

The principal conditions of lease attached are: “the stand shall be used for urban agricultural activities only, a monthly rental of $165 bond excluding VAT shall be paid subject to review, any developments on the stand shall be in accordance with the approved plans and relevant council bylaws. All costs related to the least of the stand to be borne by the applicant.”

The town clerk stated that a copy of council’s resolution dated on March 4 concerning the proposed lease may be seen on application at the director of housing and community services offices.

“Any persons objecting to the above proposal are hereby required to lodge their objections with the undersigned… not later than 19 June,” the advertisement read.

-Online