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Herald Reporter
Gweru City Council is under probe with Local Government, Public Works and National Housing Minister Dr Ignatius Chombo dispatching a team to sift the municipality’s books of accounts.
This follows a barrage of allegations raised by stakeholders against council that include maladministration, corruption and abuse of funds by councillors and officials.
The ministry’s principal director (urban local authorities) Ms Erica Jones confirmed the development recently.
“Dr Chombo was swift to react, sending a team of four auditors, led by the ministry’s chief internal auditor, to look into the allegations made.
“Allegations include the allocation of stands to councillors and management at sub economic rates ahead of the public on the councils’ waiting list and with the result that other home seekers would end up subsidising the unprocedural beneficiaries,” she said.
She said there were also reports of double dipping, the abuse of council property and the undertaking of unnecessary trips so as to earn travel and subsistence allowances.
Council employees recently downed tools over non-payment of salaries.
“Minister Chombo castigated the council for not being serious about their service delivery mandate, thereby taking the electorate for granted.
“He expressed his displeasure at the apparent lack of guidance from the senior management, most of whom are acting. The minister went on to instruct that the Council immediately advertise for suitably qualified and experienced managers to facilitate the restoration of a service delivery culture in the city,” she said.
She said Dr Chombo was now awaiting the audit report.
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