Mayors told to initiate development

Government has said it expects the newly elected mayors and their deputies to put aside politics and focus on developing their cities.

Minister of Local Government and Rural Development Trasizio Thom Gowelo said this on Wednesday during the first council meeting of Blantyre City following reconstitution of the country’s councils after the May 20 Tripartite Elections.

Gowelo urged the mayors to use the coming five years efficiently in leading their councils to meet the ever-changing needs of city residents.

“Mayors are expected to play a leading role in changing the faces of our cities. They need to motivate their councillors and management teams and encourage innovations because residents need good road infrastructure, street lights, clean environment and adequate security, among others,” said Gowelo.

Councillors in Lilongwe, Blantyre and Mzuzu cities have been electing their mayors and deputy mayors this week. Zomba City is expected to conduct its polls on July 15.

Kasungu and Luchenza municipals’ chief executive officers Charles Mwawembe and Abubaka Nkhoma told The Nation in an interview yesterday their offices would fill the vacancies today and on 22nd July respectively.

According to Gowelo, his ministry delayed to conduct the polls and swear in the councillors because of orientation sessions it conducted for them.

The country has been without councillors and mayors since 2005 when local councils were dissolved.”