adminLocal Government, Rural and Urban Development Minister Ignatius Chombo gave the city two weeks to put its house in order.
Mr Misheck Mubvumbi heads the condemned department.
“The city treasury is a disaster.
“If you are comfortable with Mr Mubvumbi’s capacity tell me.
“I want an official council position on the matter,” he said.
The Minister was addressing committee chairpersons who were led by Acting Mayor Emmanuel Chiroto and senior management led by town clerk Dr Tendai Mahachi.
He directed that each municipal department should operate its own budget as a measure of increasing performance, transparency and accountability.
Presently, all funds are controlled by the treasury department — a development that some directors complain inhibits their performance as treasury “prioritises” certain issues above others.
Departments also want to have autonomy and to be judged on the basis of unhindered performance.
“Each department should have its own programme-based budget.
“If a head of department fails to manage their budget you should take measures.
“Why keep a director who fails to work with his or her budget?”
Minister Chombo said the situation where the city keeps all its funds in one pool gives the illusion that it has a lot of money.
“Harare this year presented a US$500 million budget.
Minister Chombo said council should consider his recommendations as it prepares the 2013 annual budget.
He said having departments manage their own budgets would allow the city to deal with excess labour as each department will be able to identify its weaknesses and strengths.
He blamed the council for failure to deliver services to the people.
“What have you delivered as council?
“Mudzuri managed to build three roundabouts in his short stint in office,” he said.
Minister Chombo urged the council to look at the merits and demerits of his recommendations to arrive at informed resolutions.
“You should leave a legacy.
“Your term is coming to an end,” he said.
The meeting was part of the Minister’s drive to see service delivery in the capital and to have common ground with the council.
Online Reporter