Hurungwe Rural District Council under probe

Walter Nyamukondiwa Chinhoyi Bureau
Government recently dispatched a five-member taskforce to probe allegations of mismanagement, graft and improper disposal of vehicles at Hurungwe Rural District Council.

The allegations made by residents and other interest groups such as vendors, prompted the probe that centres on chief executive Mr Joram Moyo and council chairman Mr Tichaona Matthew.

Council chairman Mr Matthew allegedly bought two vehicles from council on two separate occasions but one of them still has council number plates.

The team, whose composition could not be ascertained by the time of going to print, is investigating if the vehicle was still registered under council or in his name.

Also under probe is the purchase of three vehicles, including a twin cab for Mr Moyo.

One of the vehicle is alleged to have been registered in his name instead of the council.

Acting Hurungwe District administrator Mr Leonard Ngirazi, confirmed the developments.

“Yes, the probe team came last week but details of their findings have not been released,” said Mr Ngirazi.

“They will be released through the office of the provincial administrator who will cascade the findings down to us.”

He said the vehicles were bought through a resolution after realising that the old fleet was no longer reliable.

Provincial administrator Mr Mike Mazai said he was yet to be briefed on the matter.

Council chairman Mr Matthew is said to have bought a council beerhall in Sengwe in Ward 17 for $100 and some asbestos sheets from Sungwi Farm for $200 without following procedures.

Vendors are also up in arms with management over relocation to a former council beerhall.

Mr Ngirazi said Hurungwe RDC was merely following a Government directive for all vendors to operate at designated places.

Vendors allege that the designated area is not conducive for business as it is near a bottle store.

“People do not come here to buy our wares because it is next to a bottle store where drunk people harass our customers,” said a vendor who preferred anonymity.

Another bone of contention was the demarcation of council’s Katengwe Farm into plots, which are alleged to have been allocated by a councillor without the involvement of council.