RDP councillor feels left out The only opposition councillor serving on the Helao Nafidi Town Council Vilho Shimuoshili said he feels isolated because his input in meetings are either not considered or dismissed as baseless. In a letter dated 11 November, and addressed to the town''s mayor, the RDP councillor expressed dissatisfaction at the manner in which he is treated by fellow councillors from the ruling party.
“As an elected local councillor representing the community of Helao Nafidi town, I have been mistreated, discriminated against and isolated in this chamber under your leadership as a mayor,” Shimuoshili said in a letter addressed to the town''s mayor Eliaser Nghipangelwa.
“I am feeling very much uncomfortable, frustrated, disturbed and discouraged by the Helao Nafidi Town Council practice during our deliberations. My contributions as an elected councillor are not taken into account although they are of importance.”
Shimuoshili also asked the mayor whether it is worth making contributions to the deliberations if his input is not taken into consideration.
He also wants to know whether the alleged condescending attitude is because he is a member of an opposition party.
Contacted for comment, Nghipangelwa confirmed that he had received the letter and that he announced its content at the 10th ordinary council meeting which took place last week but Shimuoshili was not present at that meeting.
Commenting on the concerns raised by Shimuoshili, Nghipangelwa rubbished them all saying they were baseless.
The mayor further said that the aspect of majority rule applies not only at Helao Nafidi Town Council but in any organisation.
“I don''t understand him saying that he is isolated in the chamber, he should present you with evidence,” Nghipangelwa said.
“When it comes to council meetings where we discuss issues, decisions are made based on what the majority agrees.”
KENYA KAMBOWE