adminKadoma, Kwekwe and Gweru.
Local Government, Rural and Urban Development Minister Ignatius Chombo said the investigating teams were now compiling their reports, which include corrective recommendations.
Similar investigations have resulted in the dismissals of councillors in Harare, Rusape, Bindura and Manyame Rural District Council.
The councils were put under probe after residents complained of gross corruption and mismanagement. Residents accused councillors of looting money and residential stands. Councillors and management were also accused of victimising workers on political grounds.
“The investigations are now complete. We are now waiting for the final reports,” he said.
He said Gweru City Council had requested to meet him next Monday to discuss issues “pertinent to the investigations”.
Minister Chombo said: “The council should be patient and wait for the findings of the investigations. Why are they in a hurry to dismiss employees?”
Investigations in Gweru were instituted following a petition by residents alleging improper and unprocedural sale of advertised commercial stands.
Residents had also complained of unfair labour practices.
Minister Chombo then appointed a probe team with a mandate to ascertain compliance with procedures and regulations in the sale and payment for the advertised commercial stands.
In the letter of appointment to Mr Felix Chikovo, who is heading the probe team, Minister Chombo tasked him to investigate the alleged corruption in the overall sale of stands in Gweru.
The team would also verify the alleged unprocedural allocation and sale of commercial stands at 40 percent of the total cost to councillors.
Among the terms of reference was an order to “verify unfair labour practice and flawed recruitment and selection of staff at council”.
Minister Chombo gave examples of the vacant posts of directors of housing, health, chamber secretary, typists and administrator.
Investigations touched on alleged negligence and possible abuse of council vehicles by councillors and officials.
It also investigated alleged failure to comply with provisions, which relate to use of public property.
The team was looking at the compliance of council business and transactions with the legislative framework and relevant administrative instruments such as meetings, tenders and auction sales.
The team was given an additional mandate to investigate any other issues “relevant to the governance of Gweru City”.
The terms of reference for Gweru were almost similar to those of the other cities.
Online Reporter