adminPaul Pindani in CHINHOYI
CHINHOYI Municipality has come under fire from residents after spending half-a-million dollars on lunch for 50 youths, who had graduated in welding, sewing and bricklaying courses.
The two-week courses were held at the Chinhoyi University of Technology.
Some of the Council employees, who spoke to H-Metro, expressed disappointment at the local authority’s priorities.
An employee, who requested anonymity for fear of victimisation, told H-Metro he couldn’t understand how the Council could spend such an amount on lunch.
“It boggles one’s mind to note that we have gone for over four months without being paid, yet they splash over half-a-million dollars on lunch,” fumed the employee.
Similar sentiments were echoed by another man from the Engineering Department.
“It’s sad that our bosses don’t take care of our grievances and yet they abuse funds like this.
“Last time, they bought cars yet we were not paid,” he said.
Another employee said the Council also splashed $2 million on junior councillors’ induction held in Kariba.
She said the Council broke with the tradition of having the induction courses held at Sanganayi Creek, Mazvikadei, near Banket, which is about 21 km away from Chinhoyi.
“Recently, the Council held its junior councillors’ induction course in Kariba, instead of Sanganayi Creek,” she said.
“They paid $2million for the induction, which they normally held at Sanganayi Creek in Mazvikadei near Banket, at a lower cost,” she said.
Contacted for comment, Council spokesman, Tichaona Mlauzi, told H-Metro they will consider residents’ grievances.
“We work quite well with our partners and residents as they support our community in Chinhoyi.
“We will address various issues raised,” said Mlauzi.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter