Rusape suspends engineer, cites incompetence

Rusape Town Council has resolved to suspend its Head of Engineering Department, Engineer Charles Chindenga, over allegations of incompetence. The decision, which was ratified during a special full council meeting on Wednesday, has elicited mixed reactions among residents, some expressing doubts about the motivations behind the suspension.

Engineer Chindenga was handed his suspension letter on Tuesday afternoon by Town Secretary Solomon Gabaza in the presence of eight councillors. The engineer reportedly refused to accept the letter in person, prompting the council to send it via email.

Efforts to obtain comments from key council officials including Rusape Town Council chairman Councillor Lovemore Chifomboti, Town Secretary Mr. Gabaza, and council spokesman Mr. Lloyd Makumana were unsuccessful, with calls and messages going unanswered.

Engineer Chindenga confirmed his suspension but declined to discuss the allegations or the reportedly toxic working environment at the council, stating, "I am sure you are aware of the history surrounding this situation," before refusing further comment.

This is not the first time Engineer Chindenga has faced legal troubles linked to his work at the council. Over the past four years, he has been arrested twice in relation to his duties, though courts cleared him on both occasions.

According to sources familiar with the matter, the council accuses Engineer Chindenga of distancing himself from critical road construction projects along the Mutare-Harare Highway. The works, connected to the commercial stands growing along the highway, were reportedly transferred from the Engineering Department to the Planning Department after he insisted on adherence to Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development standards, citing concerns over proper road servicing and safety requirements.

Several councillors and council officials reportedly own stands along this highway stretch, raising suspicions of conflict of interest and claims of victimisation against Engineer Chindenga. When the engineer requested to be excluded from signing off on road designs due to these conflicts, the council approved the move, and work proceeded under Town Planning's authority.

Additional accusations against Engineer Chindenga include failure to construct a drainage system in the Vengere area, which he attributed to lack of resources and a demoralised workforce affected by unpaid salaries.

An insider within the council highlighted the wider financial challenges facing Rusape Town Council, noting that blaming Engineer Chindenga alone ignores systemic issues affecting service delivery.

"Council is financially strained and struggling to execute projects across departments. The Engineering Department is not the sole area impacted. Even refuse collection under the Housing Department is hampered by shortages of fuel and truck spare parts," the source said.

Residents fear that the suspension could trigger costly legal battles, a recurring issue for the council. Rusape Town Council has a history of terminating employees on questionable grounds, only to lose subsequent cases and incur substantial payouts.

Mr. Stanford Nyaundi, a local resident, welcomed efforts to improve service delivery but cautioned against wasting public funds on internal conflicts.

"Service delivery must improve, but we know that workplace politics have long affected the council. Employees have been dismissed on flimsy grounds, and the council ends up paying in court. We urge the council to follow due process and avoid using residents' money to settle personal vendettas. Our councillors should focus on protecting residents' interests instead of getting involved in executive disputes," Mr. Nyaundi said.

The suspension of Engineer Chindenga shines a spotlight on the challenges facing Rusape Town Council, underscoring the need for transparency, due process, and sustainable solutions to the municipality's service delivery woes.