Chronicle Editor
Michael Magoronga, Midlands Correspondent
The Government through the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works on Monday dispatched a team to Kwekwe City Council to carry out a land and skills audit.
The audit, which is expected to last more than a week, will also focus on devolution and Zinara funds, as well as human resources issues.
Midlands Provincial Development Coordinator, Mr Abiot Maronge said he could not comment on the issue.
“I can only confirm that there is an audit currently underway at Kwekwe City Council and all I know is that it has an instruction from Minister July Moyo. I cannot say anything further than that for now,” he said.
The audit comes in the wake of amplified concerns from councillors who recently raised a red flag during a full council meeting demanding to know how the housing department was selling stands.
The councillors claimed that the housing department has been illegally selling industrial, commercial and residential stands.
During the same meeting, councillors accused municipal police officers of collecting funds which they do not remit to the local authority.
Ward Six Councillor Maclean Nyamucherera said the local authority could be losing more than US$4 000 per month.
The cash strapped local authority is struggling to pay a $112-million Zesa debt.
This also comes at a time when the MDC Alliance-led local authority has been struggling to implement devolution projects.
Kwekwe City has taken long to renovate Garandichauya Beerhall which is supposed to be converted into an infectious diseases’ hospital, among other projects.
The council has been without a substantive town clerk since 2017 following the retirement of Mr Emmanuel Musara.
Dr Lucia Mnkandla, the council’s Chamber Secretary, is the acting town clerk.
Online Reporter