The team will
be led by Ms Khonzani Ncube, chief director in the Ministry of Local Government
and Public Works, Mr Edward Njoma, deputy director in the ministry, Mr
Kudakwashe Chakabva from the Local Authorities Board and Mr Batanayi Mamwa,
from Financial Advisory Services.
A letter from
Minister Garwe and addressed to Ms Ncube read: “In terms of Section 311 (1) of
the Urban Councils Act (Chapter 29:15), I hereby appoint you as chairperson of
an investigation team to look into allegations of mismanagement and abuse of
office levelled against policymakers and management of Gweru City Council.”
Minister Garwe
said the investigation team seeks to establish whether Gweru City Council
implemented recommendations stated in the Ministry land audit of 2019. It will
also probe the alleged use of estate funds in the purchase of vehicles for
council officials last year.
“You are also
to establish the alleged conversion of the aerodrome land to personal use by
His Worship, the Mayor Clr Martin Chivhoko and to verify conditions behind the
Go Beer Breweries deal between council and its partners.”
Minister Garwe
also tasked the team to look into any other issues related to service delivery.
According to
the letter, Ms Ncube is supposed to write a report on their findings and make recommendations
to the minister within 10 days of the commencement of the investigation.
“You are
expected to complete the investigation within 10 days and produce a report to
the Honourable Minister. Gweru City Council will bear the full costs of the
inquiry,” read the letter.
The
investigation team is coming at a time when the council is owing December
salaries and bonuses for lower grade workers.
Gweru City
Council is also accused of prioritising buying vehicles for senior management
when it is failing to repair potholes and supplying water constantly to all
parts of the city.
The employees
have also been failing to access medical care since the local authority is
allegedly failing to settle their medical aid portion to the service provider.
Chronicle
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