The Sunday News
Vusumuzi Dube, Online News Editor
A SPECIAL committee has been set up to investigate whether suspended Bulawayo City Council’s Health Services Director Dr Edwin Sibanda is indeed liable for the environmental catastrophe prevailing in the city.
Dr Sibanda was suspended last Thursday by the Town Clerk, Mr Christopher Dube over alleged incompetence.
This follows concerns over the continued deteriorating environmental standards in the Central Business District.
On Friday council’s General Purposes Committee upheld the suspension and resolved that a special independent committee made up of professionals be set up to determine Dr Sibanda’s suitability for the job.
“The General Purposes Committee approved the suspension. There will be an inquiry by an independent committee of professionals to see if he has a case to answer. The committee will then produce a report which will be tabled before council,” said a source that attended the meeting.
Contacted for comment the Town Clerk declined to comment saying he could not talk to the media on staff issues.
Mr Dube reportedly gave Dr Sibanda his suspension letter last Wednesday afternoon as part of moves to address the environmental problem in the city.
Last Wednesday, the local authority suspended a planned blitz in the city to get rid of all illegalities, chief being the influx of illegal informal traders who have taken over the entire 5th Avenue that is meant for vehicular traffic.
Commenting on the suspension, the Mayor, Councillor Solomon Mguni is quoted as saying this was part of moves by the local authority to address concerns raised by residents.
“There has been public discontent with the manner in which the Environmental Health Branch; under the City Health Department has been performing. Garbage has been accumulating in the Central Business District and shopping centres.
“In keeping with his supervisory role over Heads of Departments; the Chief Executive Officer has exercised his prerogative and instruments of power. We take note of this development. We also respect the rights of the affected employee. Due process will kick in; once council is furnished with the relevant reports,” said Clr Mguni.
