Pumula residents want council to take over high density beer outlets

Pumula residents have implored the Bulawayo City Council (BCC) to take over the running of beer outlets in high-density suburbs and use the proceeds to improve service delivery.

The local authority through the City of Bulawayo Commercial Entities (CBCE) trading as Ingwebu Breweries leased out most of its beer outlets as it was struggling to keep them operational.

However, residents speaking during an Election Debate series at Pumula Hall hosted by CITE in conjunction with BPRA on Wednesday, said the proceeds from the beer sales should be channelled towards service delivery.

Four candidates are vying for the vacant council seat which was previously occupied by Alderman Clayton Zana who was recalled.

The four are Peter Ncube (MDC-A), Christopher Dube (CCC), Felix Adam Pambano (ZAPU) and Ntando Moyo (ZANU-PF).

“Long back we knew that the city council would get money from the beerhalls and use it for the maintenance of our houses and other services. Now that they are being privately owned people are just using the money for their own benefits leaving us community members short-changed,” said Kwanele Ngwenya, a resident.

Another resident, Nhlanhla Moyo, reiterated that there are several council properties which are being leased out to private owners and communities are not benefitting.  

Founder of Pumula Youth Leadership Trust, Givemore Mangena, inquired if there were any plans from the aspiring candidates to enhance the lives of youths in the community.

“As a leader of young people’s organisation, I want to know how long our aspiring councilors intend to stay in office should they win the election. We want to vote for people who believe in giving other people chances too. We deserve a chance to lead as youths,” he said.

“I’m also interested in knowing what plans have been set to improve the lives of the youth. We need opportunities that will allow us to run projects which will sustain us. We hope that you have plans for such.”