Online Reporter
Diana Nherera
Follwoing a full council meeting last week, Norton Town Council is launching an investigation into alleged corruption at council-run schools and seeking solutions to a chronic water crisis.
Councillor Barnabas Pachawo raised allegations that some schools are forcing parents to buy uniforms and stationery directly from them, artificially inflating fees.
“The school might be saying they want $200 for fees which includes uniforms and other requirements but parents might not afford that amount and can afford to buy the uniforms elsewhere,” Clr Pachawo said.
Council chairman, Action Mataruse, referred the matter to the housing committee for investigation.
On his part, town Secretary Kizito Muhomba, suggested implementing a policy that would prohibit council schools from forcing uniform purchases on parents.
Clrs called for a permanent solution to water shortages in the Zimsec area, where residents reportedly go without water for up to 10 days at a time.
Town Engineer Bester Maramba, told council that repairs might be possible if required spare parts become available, but gave no specific timeline for resolving the issue.
The meeting also addressed the council’s failure to provide sports attire for a trip to Mutare. Human Resources Director, John Chishakwe, said the supplier had requested advance payment, which violates council procurement procedures.
“According to our procurement procedure, we cannot pay something in advance, you have to deliver first then we pay,” Chishakwe said, apologising for the situation.
