HARARE - Harare councillors have expressed dissatisfaction over criterion used to select those of them who attend foreign meetings.

The disgruntled councillors demanded clarity on the issue during a full council meeting on Tuesday.

Ward 4 councillor Clement Chingombe asked Harare mayor Muchadeyi Masunda to explain the mechanism he uses to choose council delegates for foreign visits, alleging the system was discriminatory.

“If I may ask how these trips are sanctioned, isu vamwe tisingaende kana paMachipisa zvapo?” queried Chingombe to the applause of several fellow councillors.

Mayor Masunda had earlier on announced the cancellation of an intended visit to China by councillor Peter Moyo.

He said the trips were a result of his high-level connections, hence used his own discretion in choosing travelling councillors.

“I was invited for that trip (to China) in March but because I was busy I delegated councillor Peter Moyo because of the nature of the visit. I source these visits through my personal contacts within the embassies,” said Masunda.

Masunda promised the house that he would give everyone a chance provided suitable opportunities arose.

“Next time you will be nominated but I use my discretion effectively to make sure I send someone who has the ability to fruitfully represent council. Councillor Herman Karimakwenda will soon go to Sweden on a training programme relevant to his field,” he said.