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Mnangagwa receives Harare City Council governance report
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President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Monday afternoon received a comprehensive report on governance issues within the Harare City Council from a Commission of Inquiry led by retired judge Justice Maphios Cheda.
The report, handed over at State House, follows months of investigation into allegations of poor corporate governance, financial mismanagement, and legal non-compliance by the city's local authority dating back to 2017.
Appointed by the President last year, the commission gathered evidence through public hearings that included testimonies from current and former city officials, past mayors, and other stakeholders. The probe sought to examine how the council has conducted its business in light of mounting concerns from Harare residents over deteriorating service delivery, lack of transparency, and alleged corruption.
Presenting the findings, Justice Cheda said the commission was established in response to long-standing grievances by ratepayers and civil society. He said President Mnangagwa had shown his willingness to listen by setting up the inquiry.
"The President has always emphasized the importance of accountability and responsive governance," said Cheda. "This commission was a response to the outcry of ratepayers whose concerns could no longer be ignored."
Justice Cheda noted that the investigation unearthed widespread irregularities within the local authority, bluntly describing the situation as one with "many dirty hands in the cookie jar." He said evidence pointed to systemic governance breakdowns, questionable financial decisions, and widespread non-compliance with local government regulations.
President Mnangagwa is now expected to study the report and possibly take action based on its recommendations. The inquiry marks the latest move by central government to exert oversight over local authorities, many of which are controlled by opposition parties and have faced increasing scrutiny for failing to deliver basic services.
The Harare City Council, which has long been accused of inefficiency, has yet to formally respond to the findings of the report.
The report, handed over at State House, follows months of investigation into allegations of poor corporate governance, financial mismanagement, and legal non-compliance by the city's local authority dating back to 2017.
Appointed by the President last year, the commission gathered evidence through public hearings that included testimonies from current and former city officials, past mayors, and other stakeholders. The probe sought to examine how the council has conducted its business in light of mounting concerns from Harare residents over deteriorating service delivery, lack of transparency, and alleged corruption.
Presenting the findings, Justice Cheda said the commission was established in response to long-standing grievances by ratepayers and civil society. He said President Mnangagwa had shown his willingness to listen by setting up the inquiry.
"The President has always emphasized the importance of accountability and responsive governance," said Cheda. "This commission was a response to the outcry of ratepayers whose concerns could no longer be ignored."
Justice Cheda noted that the investigation unearthed widespread irregularities within the local authority, bluntly describing the situation as one with "many dirty hands in the cookie jar." He said evidence pointed to systemic governance breakdowns, questionable financial decisions, and widespread non-compliance with local government regulations.
President Mnangagwa is now expected to study the report and possibly take action based on its recommendations. The inquiry marks the latest move by central government to exert oversight over local authorities, many of which are controlled by opposition parties and have faced increasing scrutiny for failing to deliver basic services.
The Harare City Council, which has long been accused of inefficiency, has yet to formally respond to the findings of the report.
Source - online
