Splits are deepening in Zimbabwe’s ruling party over the continued tenure of the extravagance-loving mayoress of Harare, reports said on Friday.
The central committee of the Harare branch of the Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front (Zanu-PF) has passed a vote of ”no confidence” in Sekesai Makwavarara, state ZBC radio reported.
The ”no confidence” motion comes only a few days after Local Government Minister Ignatius Chombo extended by another six months the tenure of Makwavarara as head of the commission running the city of Harare.
Makwavarara was appointed chairperson of that commission more than two years ago, after the government sacked the elected opposition mayor Elias Mudzuri.
The flamboyant mayoress has courted controversy ever since because of her reported taste for the high life.
As living conditions in Harare steadily deteriorate, Makwavarara has made an expensive trip to Moscow, ordered curtains for her mayoral mansion at a cost of Z$35-billion ($350 000) and taken advantage of her position to try to purchase a council-owned house at a fraction of its market value.
In an unusual challenge to the Local Government Minister, William Nhara, a spokesperson for the Harare central province branch of Zanu-PF, accused Makwavarara of flouting tender procedures to the detriment of ratepayers, according to the radio.
Makwavarara had undermined the ruling party and lacks professionalism and leadership qualities, Nhara said in his statement.
Makwavarara was a member of the opposition Movement for Democratic Change before she switched allegiance to Zanu-PF.
Life in the Zimbabwean capital, once known as the Sunshine City, has steadily declined since Makwavarara was appointed.
Roads are potholed, infrastructure is not fixed, there are frequent water cuts and burst sewage pipes are a perennial problem.
Harare’s main residents’ association has told its members to stop paying rates. — Sapa-dpa