BREAKING

‘City of Harare Prioritises Luxury Vehicles Over Garbage Compactors’

By Loyd Matare

The City of Harare has come under fire for prioritising the conditioning of service vehicles for top officials over the purchase of essential garbage compactors.

This revelation has sparked outrage among residents, who are frustrated with the city council’s mismanagement of funds.

According to testimony provided by Never Murerwa, the city’s procurement management unit supply chain manager who is currently on forced leave on allegations of disregarding a competitive bidding process and awarding Moses Mpofu’s Juluka Enndo Joint Venture Company a US$9, 2 million street light installation tender, the council has been allocating funds to purchase luxury vehicles for senior officials, while neglecting the needs of the community.

Murerwa made the revelations during a commission of inquiry into the city council’s operations.

He testified that the council had purchased high-end vehicles, including Toyota Prados and GD6 models, for top officials, while failing to provide essential services to residents.

“The procurement of luxury vehicles for senior officials was not justified, especially when the city is struggling to provide basic services such as garbage collection,” Murerwa said.

The evidence leader during the commission of inquiry grilled Murerwa over the council’s procurement procedures, highlighting the lack of due diligence in the purchase of luxury vehicles.

“Your office didn’t exercise due diligence because one of the reasons why procurement offices are put in place is to ensure that you do not waste public funds,” the evidence leader said.

Murerwa admitted that the council had prioritised the conditioning of service vehicles over the purchase of garbage compactors, leaving residents to suffer the consequences of poor service delivery.

The City of Harare’s failure to provide essential services has resulted in residents living in squalid conditions, with garbage piling up in the streets.

The council’s priorities have been questioned, with many accusing top officials of misusing public funds to benefit themselves.

Meanwhile, Mayor Jacob Mafume has been accused of interfering with the council’s operations and prioritising the interests of top officials over those of the community.

Murerwa testified that Mafume had been visiting the Town House daily, manipulating the council’s decisions and threatening officials who refused to comply with his demands.

As the commission of inquiry continues, residents are calling for accountability and transparency in the city council’s operations.

The prioritisation of luxury vehicles over essential services has highlighted the need for urgent reform and a renewed focus on serving the needs of the community.

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