WASHINGTON —
MDC 99 President Job Sikhala says he was questioned by detectives Monday morning for allegedly inciting Chitungwiza residents to protest against the new Zanu PF government.
Sikhala, who heads another breakaway faction of the MDC, says the detectives did not arrest him. The officers, he said, left his home in Chitungwiza after he assured them that he had no interest in urging people to rise against the Government.
The outspoken Sikhala said he is instead is calling on residents to protest against the local authority, focusing on the satellite town’s critical water situation.
Sinhala says for years residents have been forced to endure burst water pipes and sewage flowing in the streets, a situation he says is unacceptable.
Asked if he believed the new council in Chitungwiza would help alleviate the problem, Sikhala was doubtful, adding the council's hands are tied by the government which continues to intervene in the running of local authorities.
"The issue of water is a council issue alone. It is an issue that affects government policy of providing clean water to its citizens and council cannot do anything because according to the Water Act it is the duty of the President whose jurisdiction over the ownership of water is to provide clean water to all citizens," said Sikhala.
Sikhala said he would continue to work with residents of Chitungwiza to make sure their rights to clean and safe drinking water are respected.
Sikhala, who heads another breakaway faction of the MDC, says the detectives did not arrest him. The officers, he said, left his home in Chitungwiza after he assured them that he had no interest in urging people to rise against the Government.
The outspoken Sikhala said he is instead is calling on residents to protest against the local authority, focusing on the satellite town’s critical water situation.
Sinhala says for years residents have been forced to endure burst water pipes and sewage flowing in the streets, a situation he says is unacceptable.
Asked if he believed the new council in Chitungwiza would help alleviate the problem, Sikhala was doubtful, adding the council's hands are tied by the government which continues to intervene in the running of local authorities.
"The issue of water is a council issue alone. It is an issue that affects government policy of providing clean water to its citizens and council cannot do anything because according to the Water Act it is the duty of the President whose jurisdiction over the ownership of water is to provide clean water to all citizens," said Sikhala.
Sikhala said he would continue to work with residents of Chitungwiza to make sure their rights to clean and safe drinking water are respected.
