Mbare residents bitter over exploitation

Harare Residents Trust has said Ward 4 residents in Mbare, Harare, are bitter over their exploitation by a 10-men group which pockets US$300 every month from around 350 business stands at Siya So Home Industries.

The trust said this translates to the illegal theft of US$105 000 every month from desperate and poor people by a clique of well-connected politicians, masquerading as business people.

"A total of US$1, 260, 000 is potentially raised in one year from the Siya So by these thieves, yet this money is feeding the corrupt and elites. This money does not reach council but is benefiting individuals, with obvious political municipal connections," the trust said.

"While the identities of the 10 rogue people stealing from the council were not disclosed, there was an atmosphere of fear around this issue, as residents lambasted council for not protecting them against this continued abuse at the hands of private individuals benefiting out of council property."

The trust said this was raised by concerned residents during a budget consultation meeting held at Mai Musodzi Community Hall in Mbare on Saturday where the council sought residents views on the proposed 2017 City of Harare budget.

"In his response, Funny Machipisa, the District Officer Administrator said that the issue is under investigation by the council and he confirmed that the council was not receiving any money from Siya So. He indicated that this would be discussed in the next full council meeting, where all the ward councillors meet every month to deliberate on service delivery issues affecting residents," the trust said.