via Gweru City Council bigwigs face the boot | The Herald January 18, 2016
Munyaradzi Musiiwa Midlands Correspondent
Gweru City Council top management is facing the boot after Local Government, Public Works and National Housing Minister Saviour Kasukuwere instructed the commission running the municipality to dismiss all directors implicated in corruption.
Addressing journalists in Gweru after touring the city recently, Minister Kasukuwere directed the commission led by former Masvingo Town Clerk Mr Tsunga Mhangami to axe all directors cited in the audit report for fraud, misappropriation of funds, wasteful expenditure, governance issues, non-compliance with ministerial directives, non-compliance with statutory laws and asset management.
He said there were other under-qualified personnel at the local authority who had no capacity to hold the offices and must be relieved of their duties.
Minister Kasukuwere said there should be no sacred cows.
“We understand that there was an audit report that came out following an audit conducted at the city council. The commission should follow that report and those that would be found at the wrong side of the law should pack their bags and go. Also those that are not fit to be in their offices should be dismissed. I have given you (the commission) the authority to look into the report and dismiss all those that are found on the wrong side of the law,” he said.
Minister Kasukuwere said the main thrust should be service delivery and not unnecessary expenditure by either council or management.
“We are aware that revenue has improved to $1,6 million a month. The commission has brought harmony to the city and also improved the service delivery. Service delivery should be given first priority,” he said.
Some of the individuals implicated include the town clerk, Mr Daniel Matawu, acting director for engineering services Mr Ivene Muzondo, suspended Gweru Mayor Councillor Hamutendi Kombayi and other directors.
Meanwhile, Kombayi, who recently fled to the United Kingdom after acquiring British citizenship and took with him the mayoral regalia and council vehicle, is now wanted by police for theft.
Minister Kasukuwere said Kombayi, who has vowed to return the regalia in 2018 when his term expires, has been reported to the police and is now being regarded as a fugitive.
Police Officer Commanding Midlands Province Senior Assistant Commissioner Abigail Moyo confirmed that Komabyi was on police wanted list after the council reported the matter to police.
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