Online Reporter
Freedom Mupanedemo, Midlands Bureau
THE cash-strapped Gweru City Council (GCC) has sparked fresh outrage among residents and ratepayers after purchasing a US$79 950 commuter omnibus and trailer for councillors’ use, despite mounting service delivery challenges.
The acquisition has been widely condemned as a blatant misallocation of resources at a time when the city is grappling with uncollected refuse, sewer blockages, potholed roads, and outstanding salary and bonus payments to employees.
The move has drawn parallels with a 2018 controversy, when the council came under fire for spending US$170 000 on a sport utility vehicle for the town clerk, amid similar service delivery failures.
Residents have expressed anger over the purchase, especially given the council’s failure to pay December salaries, settle medical aid contributions, or improve the dire conditions in health facilities.
Council spokesperson, Ms Vimbai Chingwaramusee, confirmed the purchase of the vehicle during an interview, saying it was funded internally.
“Yes, the local authority has purchased a commuter omnibus and a trailer for US$79 950. It was bought and delivered last Wednesday from Dulys,” she said.
Ms Chingwaramusee defended the decision, stating the vehicle was intended to enhance councillors’, management’s and staff members’ mobility during group outings.
“Sometimes we have functions at places like Gwenhoro Dam or Mkoba Stadium, but we don’t have suitable transport. We only had service vehicles at the townhouse, which are meant strictly for service delivery. This vehicle fills the gap for group travel to official functions,” she said.
However, Gweru Residents and Ratepayers Association (GRRA) Director, Mr Conilius Selipiwe, strongly criticised the purchase, calling it tone-deaf, given the council’s failure to deliver basic services.
“There is no justification whatsoever. This is a council obsessed with luxury while neglecting employees’ welfare and critical service delivery. Why should we prioritise such an expensive vehicle for councillors to attend events, when clinics are operating in darkness and roads are impassable?”
Mr Selipiwe cited a recent incident in which a woman gave birth at a council clinic under the light of a mobile phone torch due to the absence of solar power — highlighting what he termed the “selfishness” of council leadership.
“We only have two functional ambulances in the whole city, yet they prioritise buying luxury vehicles for allowances and outings. The mayor has a luxury vehicle, management has theirs, and now this minibus is to appease councillors. It’s a disgrace and a betrayal of residents,” he fumed.
Chairperson of the Gweru Residents Trust, Mr Anthony Madzivanyika, echoed these sentiments, urging council to urgently address the needs of the community.
“The local authority must correct these misplaced priorities and invest in improving people’s lives. Purchasing luxury vehicles while residents suffer is completely unacceptable,” he said.
Residents have called on central government to step in and exercise oversight on such decisions, warning that unchecked extravagance is eroding trust in public institutions.
