Blantyre city mayor Isaac Jomo Osman has doubled down and escalated his war on what he deems enemies of his beautiful city. Boots on the ground, the outspoken mayor led dozens of Blantyre City Council staff in clearing waste that choked the Henry Masauko Chipembere Highway and its drainage system at Maselema semi-industrial site. The clean-up came just a day after he reported for work as early as 7am and closed the gates of BCC head office to latecomers.
“This is our city and it is beautiful,” he said in an interview. “I want to leave Blantyre, truly a beautiful city for everyone, a better place than I found it when I became the mayor. Everyone who works to frustrate this vision is the enemy of our people.” Osman has won praise for going door to door, hitting at businesspersons and organisations to keep the city clean.
On Wednesday, he told The Nation that he vowed not to relent in hitting individuals and organisations that take people in Blantyre for granted. Said Osman: “On Tuesday, I confronted over 60 latecomers. These are not the people who clean the streets or collect market fees, but directors and heads of sections.
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Unfortunately, this culture runs deep not only at the council, but many institutions. I will not leave any stone unturned. I will visit every service provider, whether public or private, to ensure they are serving our people with respect and dignity.” However, the workers asked the council to match the mayor’s sense of urgency and call to action with requisite skills.
They argue that it is relieving for both city residents and visitors to see their council staff working hard, as required by the mayor, but not a pleasing sight for staff working without protective wear and basic tools. Passers-by cheered Osman and motorists honked, paying tribute to him for pushing city council workforce back to work.
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