BT City councillors want CEO out

Blantyre City Council councillors are demanding the removal of the council’s chief executive officer Alfred Chanza for alleged gross misconduct.

In a letter dated April 15 2020 addressed to Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, the councillors accuse Chanza of insubordination and gross misconduct.

But Chanza, in a brief telephone interview yesterday, said there was no letter or petition issued to remove him.

While stating that his relationship with councillors was intact, he said: “I have been in the office today nothing of that sort happened. If you don’t believe what I am saying then come to our office tomorrow [Friday] so that you can see me in the office.”

The letter, signed by 16 ward councillors, alleges that Chanza has been refusing to appear before the council members.

Reads in part the letter: “We have noted that the controlling officer is working in isolation and single-handedly running the affairs of the council without councillors.”

The councillors also allege that Chanza sidelined them in the implementation of coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic preventive measures.

“Our concern is that if the controlling officer is unable to work with council members, it is much better that he is removed,” reads the letter.

Mzedi Ward councillor Eric Mofolo, one of the signatories, authenticated the letter and said the councillors were awaiting a response from the ministry.

“If they [ministry] fail to remove him, then we will close BCC offices,” he said.

Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development spokesperson Muhlabase Mughogho on Wednesday confirmed that the ministry received the letter from the councillors. She said the ministry has since engaged the council.