Residents of the Phelandaba-Tshabalala constituency have urged the candidates vying in the upcoming by-election to prioritise channelling resources toward improving essential services.
During an election debate organised by the Bulawayo Progressive Residents Association (BPRA), participants expressed frustration over the perceived waste of resources on frequent elections instead of addressing critical issues like healthcare and road infrastructure.
Two candidates Gift Ostallos Siziba who was the MP before he was recalled and Joseph Tshuma of Zanu PF attended the meeting.
The by-elections will be held on February 3.
“We voted in August, December and we are expected to vote again,” said one participant. “If we are hearing correctly these elections will cost US$11 million while in our hospitals, Mpilo and United Bulawayo Hospital, there is no medication.”
They called for the winning candidate to advocate for improved hospital facilities, medication availability, and overall service delivery in parliament.
“The President should not just allow anyone calling for by-elections, as the electorate we are the ones who know the people we want, as Pelandaba-Tshabalala we told you who we want, before he could deliver anything, he was recalled, what happens to the choice of electorate?” said another participant.
In addition, Elisha Taurai said the winning candidate should represent everyone in the constituency and desist from political polirisation.
“We are appealing that when you win to be a Member of Parliament, you are representing Pelandaba –Tshabalala constituency, if you win and you want to help residents, every resident should benefit and not on partisan lines,” he said Taurai.
“Food used to come here but some residents never received it because of their political affiliations, as members of parliament you should learn to leave partisanship when you win, the job you will be now doing is not for ZANU-PF or CCC. Please stop using the party jackets that made you get the job, stand for the residents.”
