A firm engaged by the Harare City Council has revealed that councillors and council managers demanded kickbacks frustrating the US$5,4 million project.
The project, which was touted as a game changer to the
city’s perennial water challenges, has stalled with equipment lying idle at
Morton Jaffray three years after it was purchased.
Nanotech manager Joe Rugwete told Newsday :“The matter is
currently being addressed through various forums, including the commission of
inquiryon the City of Harare and the Local Government, ministry.
“We welcome the involvement of Zacc, whom we will gladly
share all information we have on the rent-seeking behaviour of some councillors
and city officials.”
Harare mayor Jacob Mafume said the company had not
approached his office with documentation implicating officials demanding bribes
for the project.
“They are still to present any documentation to my office.
I am keen to see it. We are ready to pay them once the issue of acquittals has
been finalised,” he said.