Tenants enjoy free rides on Chitungwiza council properties

Tenants occupying 42 Chitungwiza Council properties are either operating without contracts or failing to pay rentals, according to Acting Auditor-General Rheah Kujinga's 2024 financial audit report released recently.

Kujinga raised concern over the irregularities, warning that they had resulted in unnecessary revenue losses for the local authority. She strongly recommended that Chitungwiza Municipality investigate the fraudulent occupations and take legal action against offenders.

The audit revealed that in Zengeza 4, a butchery listed as vacant in municipal records was in fact occupied by a tenant who was not paying rent. "During the year ended December 31, 2021, Zengeza 4 butchery was listed as vacant in the Municipality's records, yet the property was occupied and the tenant was not paying any rentals. There was also no evidence of a contract and the Municipality could not explain how the butchery was occupied," reads part of the report.

The Auditor-General further highlighted that by December 31, 2022, at least 42 leased council properties had no valid contracts. She warned that the absence of proper contract management controls left the council vulnerable to fraud and further financial loss.

"There is a risk of financial loss due to fraud and thorough investigations must be conducted into illegally occupied properties, including Zengeza 4 butchery, to identify unauthorised tenants and take appropriate legal action to evict them," the report recommended.

In its response, Chitungwiza Municipality confirmed that the tenant at Zengeza 4 butchery had since been evicted but acknowledged the seriousness of the audit's findings. "Nonetheless, the overall audit observation and recommendation are duly noted for implementation," management stated.

The revelations add to concerns over weak financial and administrative controls in local authorities, with Kujinga urging tighter oversight to protect public resources.