By Christopher Makaza

MDC-T Deputy President, Obert Gutu said there should be minimum qualifications for aspiring councillors to avoid incompetence and mismanagement as characterised by the MDC led councils across the country.

Posting on his twitter handle, Gutu said local governance, particularly in urban councils was very critical for development, hence the need to give it to capable and knowledgeable people.

“Local Government is critical for grassroots development, particularly in urban localities. This might sound controversial but I'm advocating for the adoption of minimum educational qualifications in order for one to run for office as an urban councillor,” he said.

Gutu slammed the MDC led Harare City Council for failing to manage its farm located along Mazoe Road which he said had a potential to produce good yields.

“On the outskirts of Harare, along Mazoe Road, City of Harare owns a huge prime land farm. However, this is one of the worst managed commercial farms in the whole of Zimbabwe. So much potential yet very little to zero production. From Sunshine City to Trash City!” he said.

Last week Gutu castigated Harare city fathers for failing to provide basic services like water, waste management and maintenance of sewer services and roads repairs, but instead spend more time on self-enriching corrupt activities.

Harare City Council has for a long time failed to provide safe and clean water to Harare residents and to collect refuse due to corruption, misplaced priority and mismanagement.

The deplorable state of affairs in Harare, where residential places have mushroomed everywhere, and in some instances, in riverbanks and under ZESA main lines, merely points to a failed management system by MDC councils that long relegated its mandate and is now focusing on power struggles, and enriching themselves.