Council to approach RBZ for forex allocation
...as service delivery severely affected by fuel situation
Ward 1 Councillor Mlandu Ncube has proposed that Bulawayo City Council (BCC) approach the Ministry of Finance and lobby for special forex allocation to the municipality so they can purchase fuel to provide service delivery to the city.
According to Cllr Mlandu, the unavailability of fuel has crippled affected refuse collection, ambulance and fire services.
“We should engage Reserve bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) or anyone responsible and negotiate for a special arrangement to get forex for fuel for road trucks, ambulances and fire brigade,” said Ncube.
The foreign currency shortages has seen the government failing to supply fuel forcing motorists to queue for days a situation that has affected production levels.
“Most cars spend days queueing for fuel in town, the council is not exempted,” said Ncube.
He accused the ruling party Zanu PF of neglecting citizens.
“Political parties are given coupons and they have easy access to fuel, unlike a local authority which deals with people’s lives. Refuse collection trucks which make sure that there are no disease outbreaks are not given first preference,” said Ncube.
The fuel situation in the country is dire, however, Energy and Power Development Minister Joram Gumbo assured the nation that the situation will normalise soon.
He said government was doing its best to ensure that scarce forex resources are also channelled towards fuel procurement so as to alleviate the crisis.
