Former Chitungwiza mayor Lovermore Maiko has made a formal request to the local authority to acquire the vehicle he utilized during his tenure, prompting the municipality to seek guidance from the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works.
Maiko, who served as a councillor in Chitungwiza from July 2018 and later assumed the mayoral position until March 2022, submitted his application on January 30, 2024, expressing his desire to purchase the mayoral vehicle or a suitable alternative if the original vehicle is unavailable.
During an ordinary meeting convened at the Chitungwiza Municipality, town clerk Japson Nemuseso addressed the matter, highlighting Maiko’s service record and his application for vehicle acquisition.
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Chitungwiza municipality spokesperson Tafadzwa Kachiko confirmed that the council has resolved to seek clarification from the Minister of Local Government and Public Works regarding Maiko’s request before proceeding with any decision.
A legal opinion prepared by Mbidzo, Muchadehama, and Makoni Legal Practitioners, as seen by NewsDay, supported Maiko’s request, noting that it aligns with established practices and falls within the discretion of local authorities.
The legal opinion referenced a similar application by former acting mayor Kiven Mutimbanyoka, which was granted, establishing a precedent for such requests. It emphasized that Maiko’s tenure was lawful and that there are no legal barriers preventing the council from considering his request favorably.
Furthermore, the law firm highlighted that the government has previously authorized local authorities to sell vehicles to outgoing mayors, subject to certain conditions, indicating that such decisions are within the jurisdiction of the council.
Ultimately, the decision to sell the vehicle to Maiko or explore alternative arrangements rests with the Chitungwiza Municipality, guided by the responses received from the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works.