Minister grants councillors nod for residential stands
Diana Nherera
LOCAL Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe has granted permission to councillors who do not have a residence within their wards to be allocated a single residential stand in their lifetime within that ward on which to construct a home for themselves.
The letter read at an Epworth full board meeting today by town clerk Dr Wilton Mhanda read that the stand may be sold to the councillor at a discount of 40 percent of the market value.
“The stand is to be offered to the councilor on a lease with option to purchase, with payments being made in equal monthly instalments and completed before the end of the term of the office of the councillor.
“Title may not be issued until the development of the home is complete. The councilor may not sell the stand or cede the leases in his or her term of office.
“The cost of servicing the stand shall be paid in full.”
Dr Mhanda said councillors were to be made to understand that the offer of a residential stand was a privilege, not an entitlement and was made with a desire to enable a councillor to live in a dignified manner.
“The stand acquired in terms of this circular is not for profit aggrandisement. A councillor is not entitled by right to a commercial stand or an industrial stand,” read the letter..
“Any councillor who wishes to acquire such a stand is required to follow normal council procedure and needs to meet all requirements set down
He said the Min has also permitted councillors who would want to benefit to be granted free parking and a free grave during their term of office.
“The minister has directed that no exit packages be paid to any councillor or on the completion of his or her term of office,” said Dr Mhanda.
The letter also directs that if a council wishes to purchase electronic equipment such as cellphones or tablets for councillors, this can only be done with approval from the minister.
“The application to the minister must contain justification for the purchase, the budget line and amount budgeted for the same, the type of equipment and justification, costs and conditions attached to the use of the equipment.
“Electronic equipment will be coupled with a monthly data facility to be set by council,” read the letter.
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