News / National
Harare council official earns US$12,000 monthly amidst poor service delivery
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Mathew Marara, a top official at Harare City Council, has come under scrutiny after it was revealed that he earns a substantial US$12,000 monthly, while the local authority struggles with poor service delivery and failing to procure basic necessities such as uniforms for its workers.
This revelation was made during the ongoing Commission of Inquiry investigating the operations of Harare City Council since 2017, where Marara appeared on Tuesday. He disclosed that his current salary of US$12,000 includes benefits, allowances, and motor benefits due to the use of his personal vehicle.
Marara, who holds the position of Human Capital Director, awarded himself the role of Executive Assistant to the Town Clerk in what appears to be questionable circumstances. This position, approved by suspended Town Clerk Hosiah Chisango, lacked the necessary nod from the Ministry of Local Government. The post came with lucrative benefits, further exacerbating concerns about financial mismanagement.
"My salary is currently US$12,000 paid at the interbank rate. It is inclusive of salary, allowances, motor benefits because I use my own vehicle," Marara told the Commission.
The revelation comes as Harare City Council faces severe challenges, including the inability to procure uniforms for its workers and a constant struggle to secure basic essentials like fuel for vehicle operations. Despite these challenges, Marara's salary amounts to US$144,000 per year, raising questions about resource allocation and fiscal management.
Marara has been previously embroiled in controversy after receiving US$320,000 in compensation during a period when he was suspended due to corruption allegations. He has since dismissed the amount as exaggerated, clarifying that he has only received US$116,000 out of the US$131,000 signed for by the negotiating committee.
The Commission of Inquiry will continue to probe these issues, with Marara scheduled to testify again on January 21 to provide further clarification on his salary and other related matters.
This revelation was made during the ongoing Commission of Inquiry investigating the operations of Harare City Council since 2017, where Marara appeared on Tuesday. He disclosed that his current salary of US$12,000 includes benefits, allowances, and motor benefits due to the use of his personal vehicle.
Marara, who holds the position of Human Capital Director, awarded himself the role of Executive Assistant to the Town Clerk in what appears to be questionable circumstances. This position, approved by suspended Town Clerk Hosiah Chisango, lacked the necessary nod from the Ministry of Local Government. The post came with lucrative benefits, further exacerbating concerns about financial mismanagement.
The revelation comes as Harare City Council faces severe challenges, including the inability to procure uniforms for its workers and a constant struggle to secure basic essentials like fuel for vehicle operations. Despite these challenges, Marara's salary amounts to US$144,000 per year, raising questions about resource allocation and fiscal management.
Marara has been previously embroiled in controversy after receiving US$320,000 in compensation during a period when he was suspended due to corruption allegations. He has since dismissed the amount as exaggerated, clarifying that he has only received US$116,000 out of the US$131,000 signed for by the negotiating committee.
The Commission of Inquiry will continue to probe these issues, with Marara scheduled to testify again on January 21 to provide further clarification on his salary and other related matters.
Source - newzimbabwe
