adminageing and dilapidated sewerage system in a US$2,9 million project.
This follows differences sparked at a recent procurement board meeting after an evaluation report was presented by the consultant recommending two companies for the tender.
Some councillors embraced the recommended companies, while others strongly opposed the move to award them the tenders.
Failure to identify contractors threatens to scuttle the project as it has to be completed in the current financial year.
Some councillors are arguing that one of the recommended companies did not do a “satisfactory” job in an earlier tender to repair and upgrade the town’s water works.
“The water problems in Chinhoyi still persist to this day despite efforts and money put into repairing and upgrading the water works last year,” said a councillor who preferred anonymity.
“Areas such as Orange Grove, Hunyani and Riverside which have gone for years without water are still facing the same problems.
“We have no guarantee that the same company will do a good job.”
Following intense debate, the matter had to be put to a vote and four councillors out of seven voted against awarding the tender to the companies and called for re-tendering.
This sparked further debate amid allegations of corruption. Deputy mayor Mr Willie Nyambe said the matter was being blown out of proportion.
He said that council was still seized with the task of ensuring that everything was done above board.
In minutes of a special council meeting held on October 31, acting town clerk Mr Abel Gotora said if council failed to award the tenders to the two companies, the project would crumble.
“He further indicated that management was not aware of the incompetence being alleged against the two companies,” reads part of the minutes.
Council has now recommended that the consultant should re-advertise the tender so that suitable and reliable companies can be considered.
Online Reporter