The City of Harare’s top management has come under fire for procuring expensive vehicles despite the city’s poor service delivery. The purchase of top-of-the-range vehicles worth more than US$500,000 for city managers at a time when service delivery has virtually collapsed has sparked discontent among residents who feel let down by the City Fathers. Uncollected garbage is piling up in residential areas, raising fears of potential disease outbreaks.
The Harare City Council is facing significant challenges in providing water and sanitation services to residents. Accusations have been levelled against councilors for ignoring the deteriorating situation while personally benefiting from the system. Despite these accusations, CCC councilors have defended the procurement, citing rivalries and procedural issues. However, it is important to note that every major procurement goes through council resolutions. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the government has taken temporary responsibility for waste management ahead of the 44th SADC Summit.
The vehicle purchase comes at a time when President Mnangagwa has appointed a Commission of Inquiry to investigate corporate governance issues at the Harare City Council since 2017. In May, President Mnangagwa appointed a five-member Commission chaired by retired Judge Justice Maphios Cheda to probe alleged malfeasance at Town House.
The council has been accused of corruption and mismanagement, leading to the appointment of this Commission of Inquiry. Reports indicate that ten officials from Grade 4 positions have received luxury vehicles, further exacerbating the situation and eroding public trust in the city’s leadership.
