Ensure effective public participation – DDC Kwekwe

KWEKWE District Development Coordinator (DDC) Fortune Mupungu has challenged incoming
councillors to promote cordial and effective communication with residents and stakeholders.
Speaking during the elections of Kwekwe Mayor and his deputy recently, Mupungu said councillors
must promote effective public participation, regular feedback and uproot the scourge of corruption.
Ward 10 councillor Dr Henry Madzorera was elected Mayor unopposed and his deputy Melody
Chingarande bounced back for her second term unopposed.
"Councillors must promote cordial and effective communications between them and communities
they represent. We must also allow for effective public participation to ensure regular and proper
feedback because most of the problems occur as result of lack of communication.
“Indeed, many of the difficulties we encounter will require maximum unity and cooperation
between residents and you as deployees or representatives of various political parties. Unity of
purpose and intent will allow us to employ our collective wisdom in navigating our councils through
stormy waters for the benefit of our people. We must not allow our personal differences to obstruct
the advances we have made as a district and nation,” said the DDC.
He advised councillors to help foster the dignity of the people within their respective communities.
"Uproot the scourge of corruption which blatantly and cruelly robs the poor of that which is
legitimately theirs and begin work in earnest to address the many difficulties faced by communities,"
he said.
Mupungu urged councillors and management to work in harmony.
"For service delivery to be achieved effectively and efficiently – peace, love, unity and harmony are
key ingredients. Most importantly is the unity between you as policymakers and the Council
Executive as policy implementers.
"The District Development Coordinator's office will continuously engage local authorities, in terms of
their positioning, to be effective and responsive in order to expedite the service delivery needs of
our people because local government is at the coalface of service delivery,” he said.
Mupungu urged councillors to serve residents and stakeholders with compassion, dignity and
humility.
With the introduction of Proportional Representative (PR) councillors, Kwekwe City Council now has
18 councillors from its 14 wards. Four came through PR while 14 were elected.