Harare pays US$400,000 to idle official

SUSPENDED Harare town clerk Engineer Hosiah Chisango will, by the end of this month, have spent 17 months drawing a full salary and executive benefits without reporting for duty, as a protracted administrative impasse at Town House continues to weigh heavily on the already cash-strapped local authority.

Eng Chisango, who was suspended in late September 2024, has remained on the payroll of the City of Harare amid ongoing negotiations over his exit package, raising concerns about governance delays and their financial impact on ratepayers.

The situation has sparked renewed outrage among residents grappling with persistent service delivery challenges and rising municipal costs, with critics questioning why the matter has taken so long to resolve.

According to testimony presented by Harare Mayor, Councillor Jacob Mafume, before the Justice Maphios Cheda-led Commission of Inquiry, Eng Chisango was reportedly earning about US$27 000 per month, rising to approximately US$30 000 when executive perks were included.

Although council executive salaries were reportedly reduced by 20 percent in October 2025, this suggests his earnings remained above US$20 000 per month during the suspension period.

Reports indicate that during the first 12 months of his suspension alone, Eng Chisango received more than US$360 000 in remuneration. Following the salary adjustment, he is believed to have earned an additional US$120 000, bringing the total payout to more than US$400 000.

Under the Urban Councils Act and existing labour laws, suspended officials remain entitled to full pay and benefits until disciplinary or contractual matters are legally concluded.

Eng Chisango was suspended on September 20, 2024, over several allegations, including alleged involvement in a US$9,2 million street lights scandal, failure to implement the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, allegedly extending his contract beyond its July 2023 expiry date, and awarding tenders to blacklisted companies.

He was subsequently arrested on some of the charges. However, the National Prosecuting Authority withdrew the corruption charges in February 2025, leading to his acquittal.

Following the court outcome, Eng Chisango reportedly attempted to return to work but was allegedly denied entry into his offices.

Two months later, Mayor Mafume announced that the City of Harare intended to part ways with the long-serving town clerk after 34 years of service.

According to the Mayor, Eng Chisango — through his legal representatives — indicated a willingness to negotiate an amicable severance package, prompting the establishment of a special negotiating team.

Nearly a year after that announcement, the parties are yet to finalise the agreement, leaving Eng Chisango at home while continuing to receive his salary.

Harare City spokesperson Mr Stanley Gama said negotiations were nearing completion.

"The deed of settlement has already been drafted and is currently being reviewed by our lawyers; once it is signed, all issues will be resolved," he said.

Newly appointed Chamber Secretary Mr Warren Chiwawa said he was not directly involved in the negotiations.

"Unfortunately, I am not in a position to comment as I am not part of the negotiating team. A committee was established to negotiate his exit package; you may contact Councillor (George) Mujajati, who serves as the chair of that committee," he said.

Efforts to obtain comment from Councillor Mujajati were unsuccessful.

Meanwhile, the prolonged process has drawn criticism from residents' groups, who argue that ratepayers are bearing the financial cost of administrative delays.

Combined Harare Residents Association chairperson Mr Reuben Akili said the unresolved matter was draining resources meant for improving service delivery.

"The failure to resolve this issue has become a thorn in the side of the local authority. In fact, it is haemorrhhaging resources that were meant for improving service delivery," he said.

Harare Residents Trust director Mr Precious Shumba described suspensions as increasingly being used as tools in political battles within council structures.

"While they engage in their petty fights over control of council affairs, it is service delivery that suffers. Ratepayers' funds are being sacrificed through these ill-advised decisions to suspend council officials," he said.