Dr Zahid Badroodien has resumed his duties as Mayco member for water and sanitation following an investigation into allegations made against him last year.
The allegations resulted in his suspension, with Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis reinstating his service this month.
The reinstatement follows the outcome of an inquiry clearing him of charges relating to electricity tampering and council accepting the recommendation of a written warning being issued to him due to his property ownership obligations. All inquiry processes are now complete following his confirmation that he will not appeal the findings.
Badroodien stepped down as Mayco member in September last year following allegations of electricity meter tampering.
“I am satisfied that he now resumes his important work as the Mayco member for water and sanitation, effective immediately. Councillor Badroodien has served this portfolio with the utmost care and distinction, building relationships across the city for better water and sanitation. I have full confidence that he will be a driving force in delivering on our ambitious infrastructure investments and service delivery priorities with dedication and integrity. I would like to thank Councillor Siseko Mbandezi who has done an excellent job caretaking this critical portfolio while council processes were under way,” says Hill-Lewis.
Badroodien has already got back into the swing of things with site visits and other duties.
Badroodien says: “The recommendations made in the report support my submissions made to the speaker six months ago. Supporting the fact that I had no involvement in or knowledge of any tampering that took place at the property that I own. I accept that as a property owner it is my responsibility to exercise better diligence over a house that is registered in my name. This has been an important learning opportunity for me and I would like to encourage every home owner to check their meters and make sure that everything is compliant with the necessary by-laws and policies, especially when being leased out or under the care of other individuals.”
A qualified medical doctor, Badroodien traded a career in medicine for politics having been elected as a councillor in 2016.
Badroodien would later be the youngest councillor to be appointed to the Mayco in 2018 as Mayco member: area South at the age of 27, by then Mayor Dan Plato.
Badroodien also served as Mayco member for community services and health. He is also currently elected as ward councillor for Ward 48, a position he maintained through the inquiry.
Since his return, Badroodien says he will continue to prioritise the specific needs in his portfolio.
“With the Mayor having tabled the ‘Building Hope’ budget which sees the city increase its multi-billion infrastructure investment, we have to ramp up our efforts to ensure that this is a budget felt and seen by all residents. We will continue to invest in pipe replacements, investing in the new water programme, cleaning up our waterways as well as combatting ongoing theft and vandalising of our infrastructure. I look forward to taking up the role once again as Water and Sanitation MMC.”
