CHIRUNDU – Local Board for Chirundu has four councilors – two from Zanu PF and two
from Citizens’ Coalition for Change – so a toss of a coin decided the leadership.
The presiding officer from the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works tossed a
coin to decide the chairperson and deputy chairperson after voting ended deadlocked.
Eventually, Zanu PF candidates Chaoma Revai of Ward 3 and Lloyd Ndhlumbi from
Ward 2 won the toss as chairperson and deputy chairperson respectively.
The two were sworn in in terms of the Urban Council’s Act Chapter 29:15, which
provides for the establishment of Municipalities and towns and the administration of
municipalities, and town by local boards.
Ward 1 Councillor Mubaiwa Richard of Citizens’ Coalition for Change lost the toss
against the new Local Board Chairperson, while Itai Wedzerai of the same party, who
came in on the 30 percent women’s quota failed to make it for the deputy chairperson’s
post.
The newly elected council will not have much pressure since the previous council had
already forwarded site plans for Chirundu Central Business District, which was given the
nod by the Ministry of Local Government and now awaits formal communication for
implementation.
The border post has one of the best sewer ponds which were used as case study for
other local authorities, two years ago.
The town has a variety of resort areas along the Zambezi River and has great potential
for development as it is a gateway to SADC countries.
It has two schools – a primary and secondary school – one clinic but has no hospital.
Chirundu was granted Town Board status in 1983.