Tue, 09 Jan 2018 07:58:46 +0000
By MOSES SINJWALA
THERE is a sense of helplessness, despair and anger among several residents of Lusaka’s Bauleni Compound following alleged inertia by their area councillor.
The residents complained that Patrick Mwansa was not active since he was ushered into office a year ago.
A resident George Bwalya told Daily Nation that the civic leader gone into hibernation even in the face of the cholera crisis.
“Our councillor has been inactive ever since he was elected into office, we have made efforts in trying to get in touch with him but to no avail. His phone just rings and goes unanswered,” he said
He further disclosed that other residents of the ward had approached him in an effort to discuss with him but was in vain.
He said some members of the community were even demanding his removal from office. But when contacted, Mr. Mwansa scoffed at the allegations, saying he was available for civic duty.
He however charged that there were times when he went to the ward incognito because some people were harassing him for money.
Mr Mwansa added that some sections of society in his ward were bent at tarnishing his name to gain political mileage and for selfish interests.
According to the amended constitution of 2016 article 155 says that (1) a councillor shall vacate office on dissolution of a council.
The office of the councillor becomes vacant if, (a) the councillor ceases to be a member of the district, (b)the councillor resigns by one month’s notice in writing, to the mayor or council chairperson; (c) the councillor becomes disqualified for election under Article 153; (d)the results of an election for that councillor is nullified by a local government election tribunal established in accordance with Article 159 (e) the councillor acts contrary to the code of ethics provided for in Article 155; and
(f) The councillor has a mental or physical disability that makes the councillor incapable of performing the functions of councillor; or (g) the councillor dies. (3) Where a councillor resigns in accordance with clause (2) (b), (c), (d) and (e) the councillor shall not be eligible for re-election as councilor for the duration of the term of that council.
Another resident Ngoza Mwale said that this was the time that the councillor needed to be active and not to slumber and urged the area Member of Parliament, Margaret Mwanakatwe to intervene.
“I am also calling upon our MP to come on board in championing the fight on cholera, look at these other compounds the councillors are active including members of parliament where are our own leaders,” she wondered.
Bauleni compound is among compounds in the city hit by cholera and has a population of not less than 2000 people.
