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Herald Reporter
Revelations from the ongoing Commission of Inquiry into the governance of Harare City Council have fuelled tensions between officials and councillors who are accusing each other of back-biting, with some slanging even in yesterday’s formal monthly council meeting.
Council officials appearing before the commission have been subjected to intense grilling by evidence leaders, probing the depth of the local authority’s corruption which has stirred the attention of angry residents.
Harare residents have been threatening to protest over US$11 million squandered on workshops in the first half of the year while the local authority is grappling with a service delivery crisis.
Water woes, uncollected refuse, pothole-ridden roads and dilapidated infrastructure have been the new norm under the helm of the opposition councillors.
During a full council meeting yesterday, Harare Mayor Councillor Jacob Mafume accused some top officials at HCC of looking confused while appearing before the commission and failing to disclose crucial information on departments they lead.
Clr Mafume insinuated that the city officials’ lack of confidence and transparency before the commission had attracted the wrath of residents.
He blamed Harare officials appearing before the commission of inquiry for angering residents.
“I received several complaints from residents and stakeholders on money we had used on workshops. I can’t even go on X and other social media platforms.
“There have been reports and if l want to remember the word they said ‘we gobbled’ about US$11 million on workshops and this comes from officials who are looking confused appearing at the commission of inquiry,” he said.
Clr Mafume said all officials should have information at their fingertips.
“I have made it clear and l am on record that you should have information at your fingertips. You can even ask a director here, and he will say l will find out and this is why some will end up giving information which is not correct and looking confused.
“I want to tell you residents wanted to demonstrate over the money that was said we used.”
Clr Mafume said the whole of last year, they used US$2,1 million.
Online Reporter