peter
GWERU acting Town Clerk Mr Vakai Douglas Chikwekwe has once again courted controversy after he allegedly purchased a stand measuring 3 327 square metres for a paltry ZWL$29 230.92 (US$356) converted at the auction rate.
This was exposed by Minister of Local Government and Public Works Cde July Moyo in a letter to the local authority in response to the investigations conducted at Gweru City Council by the ministry following allegations of internal squabbles.
Cde Moyo accused the council leadership of engaging in corrupt activities where the local authority allowed the purchase of land without following proper procedures and also at a very low cost which in turn prejudiced the council.
Cde Moyo questioned the rationale behind the selling of a stand measuring 3 327 square metres to the Chamber Secretary Mr Chikwekwe for ZWL$ 29 230.92 which is equivalent to US$356 converted using the official auction rate payable over a period of five years.
“In June you (Gweru Mayor Councillor Josiah Makombe) allowed the sale of 3 327 square metre stand number Lot 2 of 46 of Bickford to the Chamber Secretary for a mere ZWL$29 230.92 this prejudiced council financially,” reads part of the letter.
He also reproofed Gweru councillors for allegedly accepting a bribe from a candidate for the post of finance director.
“You (Clr Makombe) failed to take action against councillors whom your council disclosed in the responses to the investigation report on the city to have exchanged money with a candidate for the post of director finance thus condoning corruption,” reads the letter.
Gweru City Council has been rocked by a land scandal in which top management and councillors have been implicated.
Cde Moyo also raised concern over Gweru Mayor Clr Makombe’s procurement of reserved area measuring 7 341 square metres for ZWL$100 041.20 in May.
Last week, Clr Albert Chirau was exposed for having influenced the selling of stands in Senga for his 13-day-old and five-year-old children. Clr Chirau went on to expose the management of also looting the stands and giving them to their children and relatives. Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) last week descended on Gweru City Council to investigate some of the raised issues.
Online Reporter