By Our Correspondent
Chitungwiza – Angry residents have accused Mayor Rosaria Mangoma of running a dysfunctional and bitterly divided local authority, claiming she deliberately ignores Deputy Mayor Eddmore Muringa, sidelines dissenting councillors, and has completely failed to fix basic service delivery.
The explosive claims come hot on the heels of earlier public outrage after residents slammed Mangoma for buying a flashy new luxury car while the municipality continues to crumble under mountains of garbage, overflowing sewers, and pothole-riddled roads.
Residents are now questioning why Councillors Madya and Mukweza were appointed as acting mayors while Mangoma was away on official business, even though Deputy Mayor Muringa was available and present in town.A visibly frustrated resident identified as Boss Claude asked:
“Why was Mr Mukweza appointed acting mayor while the deputy mayor Muringa is there?
Deputy Mayor Eddmore Muringa himself appeared blindsided by the development, saying: “I am sorry, but it is news to me that the mayor is away and that a councillor is acting in her capacity. I do not know what is happening, but I am around.”
Chitungwiza Residents Trust Director Alice Kuvheya has strongly condemned the mayor’s conduct and called on the Minister of Local Government to step in urgently. She labelled Mangoma as “one of the worst mayors” in the history of Chitungwiza, despite the high hopes many had placed in having a female leader.
“We are disappointed with the way the mayor is operating at Chitungwiza. Councillors are divided. She is doing politics in the chamber,” Kuvheya said.
Resident Farirai Chikwamba from Zengeza added fuel to the fire: “Those we entrusted with leadership are playing around with us. Chitungwiza is a complete mess on service delivery, yet they are busy spending money on workshops while councillors major on minors.”
A councillor who spoke on condition of anonymity painted an even darker picture: “The mayor is sidelining those she perceives to be against her. The whole council business is now being personalised.”
Chitrest further alleged that Mangoma does not recognise the Deputy Mayor, unilaterally approved a controversial “100 litres of fuel” decision without proper consultation, and uses council workshops to manipulate proceedings while sidelining opponents.
“She allegedly leaves her friends in positions of authority without the knowledge of the deputy mayor,” Kuvheya told Mopane News.“It is out of hand and there is no progress in Chitungwiza.”
The residents’ trust also highlighted the dire state of the town: persistent sewage spills, deplorable roads, and unkempt graves where grass is never cut. Kuvheya expressed particular disappointment over the mayor’s gender, saying: “We were expecting better from a female mayor, but this is one of the worst mayors this local authority has ever seen.”
The fresh attacks have revived bitter memories of Mangoma’s controversial purchase of a new luxury vehicle, which residents branded as tone-deaf and insensitive while sewers overflow and rates arrears pile up in the dormitory town south of Harare.
Responding to the growing criticism, Mayor Mangoma denied dividing councillors or favouring her allies. She insisted the Deputy Mayor is legally empowered to act as mayor in her absence.
“The Deputy Mayor automatically assumes the role of Acting Mayor in the absence of the Mayor, as provided for by the law,” Mangoma said, adding that a recent Ordinary Meeting was chaired smoothly by the Deputy Mayor without any issues.
She emphasised that her role is largely ceremonial and that day-to-day service delivery falls under the Town Clerk’s administrative arm. “My absence does not affect the day-to-day running of council,” she maintained.