Harare town clerk operating a parallel revenue collection unit

The City of Harare (CoH) Town Clerk's office is facing scrutiny following revelations that it oversees a parallel revenue collection unit responsible for funds from the municipality's special business purpose vehicles. This unit, previously part of the revenue collection department, was transferred to the Town Clerk's office under unclear circumstances, raising concerns about transparency and accountability.

Tsitsi Samapundo, head of the CoH business department, is reported to be directly reporting to the Town Clerk on the municipality's business operations, which has resulted in the revenue collection department being left in the dark about the amounts of funds generated by the municipality's business unit.

During a recent appearance before the Commission of Inquiry, Acting Revenue Collection Manager Albert Guni expressed his concern over the arrangement. He acknowledged that while the creation of the business development unit was meant to improve efficiency, his department was excluded from collecting the profits generated by the CoH's business entities.

"I am not aware of any resolution, but that does not mean it does not exist. The creation of the business development unit was meant to improve the efficiency of the business entities," said Guni.

The CoH business unit oversees several income-generating ventures, including Harare Quarry, City Parking, and Sunshine Holdings. However, these business entities have reportedly failed to remit profits to the city council, despite generating significant funds. Town House officials are being implicated in the unclear operations of these entities, with accusations of mismanagement and a lack of transparency.

Additionally, it has been revealed that a portion of land at Harare Quarry has been leased to a private company under questionable circumstances, further raising concerns about financial irregularities within the municipality.

Compounding these issues, the municipality is being run by non-substantive executive officials, many of whom are serving in acting capacities. Guni, who has been in an acting role for more than four years, highlighted the impact of this situation on the efficiency and governance of the municipality.

"What I have heard is that you are aware the finance director position is vacant. We also have an acting finance director. There are also many acting appointments within the city. This situation is not unique to me, but affects almost everyone," said Guni.

The CoH is facing increasing pressure to address these governance challenges and provide clarity on the management of its business units, as the public demands greater accountability and transparency in the municipality's operations.