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'Mnangagwa's Harare commission is a waste of money'

by Staff reporter
06 Jun 2024 at 08:37hrs | Views
Harare residents have voiced concerns about a commission of inquiry appointed by President Emmerson Mnangagwa to investigate the city council, deeming it a waste of money since the issues are already known.

The commission, led by retired judge Justice Maphios Cheda, includes former MDC official Lucia Matibenga, Steven Chakaipa, Norbert Phiri, and Khonzani Ncube from the Local Government ministry, with Local Government and Public Works secretary John Bhasera as the commission's secretary.

The commission is tasked with investigating financial management, audit compliance, and procurement laws, among other issues. Some council officials are reportedly panicking, fearing they are being targeted.

Former Finance Minister Tendai Biti called for thorough investigations into land barons and illegal land acquisitions.

Harare Residents Trust executive director Precious Shumba and Combined Harare Residents Association chairperson Reuben Akili expressed skepticism about the commission's necessity and effectiveness.

They argued that previous reports by the auditor general have already highlighted the issues, and they questioned the commission's potential for new findings.

They also criticized the commission's composition and potential conflicts of interest. Past commissions have been accused of being costly and ineffective, further fueling residents' reservations.

Source - the standard