Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo
BULAWAYO City Councillors have demanded a progress report on the disappearance of 285 drums of bitumen worth over US$82 000 that mysteriously vanished from the city’s Kelvin North Depot.
The loss, which also included nine drums of Stable 60 (valued at US$2 142) and 20 drums of MC30 (worth US$6 480), raised fresh concerns about the city’s deteriorating internal controls and procurement systems.
The missing materials, all critical for road maintenance and rehabilitation, were reported to Western Commonage Police Station on 6 June.
Contributing on the missing items during a full council meeting, Ward 26 Councillor, Mpumelelo Moyo said the number of drums was too much while tar was a very important commodity that the City seriously needed.
“Suck leakages should be avoided at all costs,” said Cllr Moyo.
Cllr Tinevimbo Maposa of Ward 21 concurred with his colleague and also wanted to know the progress that had been made in the investigations of the 285 missing drums.
“He said a full detailed report should be submitted to council.
Proportional representation Councillor Melisa Mabeza called for proper systems as the disappearance of the items exposed a very huge leakage in the system.
“Of late there were reports of theft of Council property involving Council’s Security Staff. This could be indicating that the Chamber Secretary’s department is overwhelmed. Security staff could also be lacking in terms of discipline,” said Cllr Mabeza.
Cllr Mabeza was supported by the Deputy Mayor Cllr Edwin Ndlovu who said the entire Council staff lacked supervision while staff members in the security section were not adequately supervised.
He proposed that the matter be referred back to committee and be re-submitted with more information.
