Mayor says suspension is political

The elected mayor of Zimbabwe's capital, Harare, has condemned the government's decision to suspend him as "political", rather than based on his performance. Local Government Minister, Ignatius Chombo, on Tuesday suspended Elias Mudzuri, a member of the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), alleging mismanagement, flouting tender procedures and anti-government political activity. "This challenges the democratic right to elect someone to office," Mudzuri told IRIN. "I was elected by the residents and the decision should be up to them." Mudzuri has come under fire in recent months over water shortages, due to the council's inability to procure water treatment chemicals. He has also faced demonstrations from residents demanding better services. He was arrested earlier this year under the Public Order and Security Act for addressing a ratepayers' meeting which police described as a political gathering, but was released without charge. Mudzuri also faces the reduction of his powers if the government goes ahead with a proposal to install governors to oversee the running of the two MDC-led councils in Harare and Bulawayo - the country's two main cities. "The minister has wanted to suspend me from the day I started work," he continued. "He has not allowed me to work, and the suspension is not substantiated and is purely political. I couldn't borrow money for the whole of last year, I was arrested when I spoke to residents about water problems, and couldn't help [with the purchase of water treatment chemicals] because we don't have foreign currency." "I am prepared for any investigation as long as it's impartial," said Mudzuri, who replaced ZANU-PF's Solomon Tavengwa. Tavengwa and the entire Harare council were sacked by the government in 1999 following allegations of corruption and mismanagement. Chombo said a committee of inquiry would be appointed next week to investigate allegations against Mudzuri. Meanwhile, deputy mayor Sekesai Makwavarara, also of the MDC, takes over as acting mayor.