adminZvamaida Murwira
Senior Reporter
Gokwe Town Council has come under fire for splashing thousands of United States dollars on a disciplinary hearing involving its internal auditor who had an accident and damaged the council vehicle that was repaired for US$80.
The cash-strapped council has enlisted councillors from Gweru City Council and Vungu Rural District Council who have to drive to Gokwe to conduct a disciplinary hearing for its internal auditor, Mr Manasseh Mhlohlo who caused a minor dent on the vehicle which the council paid about US$80 in repairs.
The distance between Gweru and Gokwe is 203 km, while that from Vungu to Gweru is around 215 km.
Council will have to fork out thousands of United States dollars, in sitting allowances, refreshments, accommodation and fuel to the councillors who have been hired to conduct the disciplinary hearing which residents have complained is a waste of resources.
A source close to the case said almost US$2 000 has already been splashed on the disciplinary committee in fuel, refreshments, and lunches among other costs. That figure is expected to balloon to around US$10 000.
“One wonders why they have felt it prudent to take that expensive route to address an issue whose prejudice to council was very nominal. Why not invite local councillors or other people from close to this place? Besides accidents do happen with council vehicles, we are surprised why they have rushed to deal with this one ahead of those that have occurred earlier,” said a source in the council.
Residents felt that the council could have done better to save ratepayers’ money rather than embarking on an expensive exercise which will leave a huge financial toll on them.
They questioned the logic of inviting people who reside far away from Gokwe at a time when the town is struggling to provide decent service to ratepayers as well as pay its workers.
“The council is spending huge resources on trivial issues. In this case, a rabbit hit the fender of the vehicle and caused a dent which cost the council less than US$80 but it has convened this money-spinning disciplinary committee,” said Mr Ngonidzashe Ngomeni.
When contacted, council chairperson, Councillor Liscious Mutegwe said as councillors they were not responsible for council officials and referred questions to the acting town secretary, Engineer Melsen Masukume.
“The best person to interview is the acting Town Secretary Engineer Masukume because he is the one responsible for all council officials,” said Councillor Mutugwe.
Eng Masukume initially requested questions in writing but later turned around saying he could not respond because he was preoccupied with other council business issues.
“We are very busy these days with budget consultations so I do not think I will be able to help, we knocked off late yesterday and this shows how busy we are,” he said. Another source said the disciplinary hearing could have been motivated by the bad blood between the internal auditor and Eng Masukume who was recently appointed to the post.
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