Nobody 'eats politics', people need services, Sankwasa says
Urban and rural development minister Sankwasa James Sankwasa told residents in Katima Mulilo last week that his controversial decision to dissolve the town council was motivated by the need to restore accountability and service delivery.
Addressing the community last Thursday, he stressed that the law – not tribal identity or political loyalty – must guide governance.
“It’s only the law that protects the citizens... it’s only the law that will protect the residents of Katima Mulilo,” he said.
Politics, he added, cannot put food on tables or keep the lights on. “Nobody eats politics; the government must deliver water, electricity, titles for informal settlements.”
Wasting resources
The minister dismissed accusations that his decision was intended to sideline the Masubia community, calling such claims divisive and harmful.
“I was dealing with the council, I was not dealing with the tribe,” he said, warning that framing governance failures in tribal terms was unfair and had, according to him, long hampered development in Zambezi.
The minister cited reports of widespread governance lapses: misuse of funds, unresolved labour disputes, ignored directives and unauthorised land-for-assets transactions involving vehicles, laptops and quad bikes.
“Council has no money, but council is wasting money... arrest the situation... deal with the issue internally,” he said.
In his decision, Sankwasa relied on Section 92(2) of the Local Authorities Act of 1992. He issued a government gazette notice on 15 August dissolving the council and assuming its powers until an administrator is appointed.
Raphael Liswaniso, CEO of the Katima Mulilo Town Council, now reports directly to the minister.
Divided reactions
The Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) denounced the decision as unconstitutional and undemocratic, saying it stripped power from elected representatives. Katima mayor John Ntemwa accused Sankwasa of tribalism and pursuing vendettas linked to past labour court disputes. Policy analysts also warned that the move risks abuse of executive authority.
On the ground, however, some residents welcomed the intervention.
“The council was like a cancer to this town... this decision is just good news to us,” a resident said.
Addressing the community last Thursday, he stressed that the law – not tribal identity or political loyalty – must guide governance.
“It’s only the law that protects the citizens... it’s only the law that will protect the residents of Katima Mulilo,” he said.
Politics, he added, cannot put food on tables or keep the lights on. “Nobody eats politics; the government must deliver water, electricity, titles for informal settlements.”
Wasting resources
The minister dismissed accusations that his decision was intended to sideline the Masubia community, calling such claims divisive and harmful.
“I was dealing with the council, I was not dealing with the tribe,” he said, warning that framing governance failures in tribal terms was unfair and had, according to him, long hampered development in Zambezi.
The minister cited reports of widespread governance lapses: misuse of funds, unresolved labour disputes, ignored directives and unauthorised land-for-assets transactions involving vehicles, laptops and quad bikes.
“Council has no money, but council is wasting money... arrest the situation... deal with the issue internally,” he said.
In his decision, Sankwasa relied on Section 92(2) of the Local Authorities Act of 1992. He issued a government gazette notice on 15 August dissolving the council and assuming its powers until an administrator is appointed.
Raphael Liswaniso, CEO of the Katima Mulilo Town Council, now reports directly to the minister.
Divided reactions
The Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) denounced the decision as unconstitutional and undemocratic, saying it stripped power from elected representatives. Katima mayor John Ntemwa accused Sankwasa of tribalism and pursuing vendettas linked to past labour court disputes. Policy analysts also warned that the move risks abuse of executive authority.
On the ground, however, some residents welcomed the intervention.
“The council was like a cancer to this town... this decision is just good news to us,” a resident said.
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