While the MDC Alliance is blaming Zanu-PF for using Local government minister July Moyo to interfere into the operations of the councils under its ambit, MDC-T mayor for Mutare Blessing Tandi, last week, surprised delegates when extolled President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s virtues, crediting him for working hard to restore the confidence in the economy.
Tandi crossed floor to Mwonzora led MDC-T after he was threatened with a recall in March last year by MDC-T leader Douglas Mwonzora.
He was later saved by Local government minister July Moyo after he apologised for being associated with MDC Alliance members, according to MDC sources.
While addressing delegates who attended the inaugural State of THE City Address at Mutare Hall on Tuesday, Tandi said his administration appreciates role being played by President Mnangagwa with his cabinet to restore confidence in the economy.
“At the national level, we would like to appreciate the role played by our President H.E Emmerson Mnangagwa, and his team of men and women who are working to restore confidence in the economy,” said Tandi.
The mayor went further to applause the Second Republic for the ongoing disbursement of the devolution funds, saying they have helped the cash strapped local authority to roll out several developmental projects that are improving service delivery in the city.
“We want to appreciate the extended olive branch which came in the form of devolution grants that have assisted us to roll our developmental projects. We received some funds for the renovation of Mutare Infectious Hospital courtesy of devolution funds and work has not been completed,” said Tandi.
He said the local authority has since aligned its operation in line with government`s stance of promoting the ease of doing business in order to attract more investment into the eastern border city.
“In line with the Second Republic mantra, Zimbabwe is Open for Business, the city of Mutare is Open for Business, the City of Mutare started to adopt the ease of doing business reforms in 2018.Major achievements include the reduced timeframe in approval of licences,”said Tandi.