News / National
Gweru City Council under investigation for mismanagement
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Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe has appointed an investigation team to probe allegations of abuse of office and mismanagement by Gweru City Council management and councillors.
The investigation team will be led by Ms. Khonzani Ncube, Chief Director in the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works. Other members include Mr. Edward Njoma, Deputy Director in the ministry, Mr. Kudakwashe Chakabva from the Local Authorities Board, and Mr. Batanayi Mamwa from Financial Advisory Services.
In a letter addressed to Ms. Ncube, Minister Garwe cited Section 311 (1) of the Urban Councils Act (Chapter 29:15) as the legal basis for the probe.
"In terms of Section 311 (1) of the Urban Councils Act (Chapter 29:15), I hereby appoint you as chairperson of an investigation team to look into allegations of mismanagement and abuse of office levelled against policymakers and management of Gweru City Council," the letter read.
The investigation aims to determine whether Gweru City Council has implemented the recommendations of the 2019 Ministry land audit. It will also examine the alleged use of estate funds for purchasing vehicles for council officials in 2023.
Further, the team will probe allegations that Gweru Mayor, Councillor Martin Chivhoko, converted aerodrome land for personal use. The conditions behind the Go Beer Breweries deal between the council and its private partners will also be scrutinized.
Minister Garwe also directed the team to investigate other service delivery concerns affecting residents.
According to the minister's directive, Ms. Ncube and her team must submit a report with findings and recommendations within 10 days of the probe's commencement.
"You are expected to complete the investigation within 10 days and produce a report to the Honourable Minister. Gweru City Council will bear the full costs of the inquiry," the letter further stated.
The investigation comes at a time when Gweru City Council is struggling to pay employees, with outstanding December salaries and bonuses for lower-grade workers. The council has also faced criticism for prioritizing vehicle purchases for senior management while neglecting essential services such as road maintenance and water supply.
Additionally, workers have reportedly been unable to access medical care due to the local authority's failure to settle medical aid contributions with service providers.
Residents and stakeholders await the findings of the investigation, hoping for accountability and improved service delivery in the Midlands capital.
The investigation team will be led by Ms. Khonzani Ncube, Chief Director in the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works. Other members include Mr. Edward Njoma, Deputy Director in the ministry, Mr. Kudakwashe Chakabva from the Local Authorities Board, and Mr. Batanayi Mamwa from Financial Advisory Services.
In a letter addressed to Ms. Ncube, Minister Garwe cited Section 311 (1) of the Urban Councils Act (Chapter 29:15) as the legal basis for the probe.
"In terms of Section 311 (1) of the Urban Councils Act (Chapter 29:15), I hereby appoint you as chairperson of an investigation team to look into allegations of mismanagement and abuse of office levelled against policymakers and management of Gweru City Council," the letter read.
The investigation aims to determine whether Gweru City Council has implemented the recommendations of the 2019 Ministry land audit. It will also examine the alleged use of estate funds for purchasing vehicles for council officials in 2023.
Further, the team will probe allegations that Gweru Mayor, Councillor Martin Chivhoko, converted aerodrome land for personal use. The conditions behind the Go Beer Breweries deal between the council and its private partners will also be scrutinized.
According to the minister's directive, Ms. Ncube and her team must submit a report with findings and recommendations within 10 days of the probe's commencement.
"You are expected to complete the investigation within 10 days and produce a report to the Honourable Minister. Gweru City Council will bear the full costs of the inquiry," the letter further stated.
The investigation comes at a time when Gweru City Council is struggling to pay employees, with outstanding December salaries and bonuses for lower-grade workers. The council has also faced criticism for prioritizing vehicle purchases for senior management while neglecting essential services such as road maintenance and water supply.
Additionally, workers have reportedly been unable to access medical care due to the local authority's failure to settle medical aid contributions with service providers.
Residents and stakeholders await the findings of the investigation, hoping for accountability and improved service delivery in the Midlands capital.
Source - the herald
