By Staff Reporter
Councillor Lovejoy Chitengu has been elected the new Mayor of Harare following the recall of Ian Makone by Sengezo Tshabangu, the self-proclaimed interim secretary-general of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC).
Makone and his deputy, Kudzai Kadzombe, were recalled simultaneously earlier this month.
Rosemary Muronda will serve as Chitengu’s deputy.
In his acceptance speech, Chitengu expressed anticipation for the return of Makone, Kadzombe, and eight other councillors to the council after the upcoming December 9 by-election.
“It is a sad moment because Councillor Makone, Kadzombe, and the other recalled councillors are such hard workers who have made their mark over the period of their term, cut short by these recalls,” Chitengu said.
“It is sad that this is happening, not because they have done anything wrong, but for being precisely the opposite.
“The relief we can derive is from the assurances they have given, that they will remain available for consultation on a wide range of decisions that the council must take.
“More than that, I look forward to their return to this chamber, either as a result of a court decision or the ballot within the next 90 days.“
Chitengu also said the council was committed to improving the quality of services it offers to communities.
“I wish to assure our electors and stakeholders that whatever happens to one or any of us, this council is committed to improving the quality of services rendered to the communities in which we live,” Chitengu added.
“I also wish to assure our electors and stakeholders that, whether it be by decision of the court or the voters in the next 90 days, this chamber waits in anticipation for the return of its recalled colleagues.“
Chitengu’s name appeared in Tshabangu’s recall letter dated November 7, addressed to the local government minister, Winston Chitando.
However, due to a spelling error in the letter where his surname lacked the letter “n,” he was not recalled.
