The Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development has suspended all Councillors of the Chongwe Municipal Council, including the Mayor, for 90 days effective immediately.
The suspension follows allegations of illegal land allocation contrary to the Urban and Regional Planning Act No. 3 of 2015.
Local Government Minister, Hon. Gary Nkombo, has invoked Section 56 of the Local Government Act No. 2 of 2019 to suspend the Councillors and appoint a Local Government Administrator, Mr. Charlston Hamulyata.
Mr. Hamulyata’s terms of reference include:
– Facilitating policy and decision-making
– Investigating alleged illegal land allocation
– Investigating council operations
– Submitting a comprehensive report within 90 days
The Ministry has pledged to uphold the rule of law and ensure transparency and accountability in the administration of local authorities.