Story by Peter Chivhima
Suspended Harare Town Clerk Hosiah Chisango has opened a can of worms after confirming a complex web of alleged mismanagement at Town House which has come at a huge cost to ratepayers.
Mr Chisango’s testimony is part of the ongoing Harare City Council Commission of Inquiry, which is investigating allegations of corruption and incompetence at town house.
The city’s cattle project, which has been plagued by allegations of mismanagement and corruption was under probe this Thursday.
This comes in the wake of reports that over 100 beasts are being looted on monthly basis with the city claiming that they are dying due to lack of proper care.
“We have three thousand cattle at our paddocks, and we have been receiving reports that these cattle are dying on monthly basis. But we can attribute this to lack of proper care because our main business there is the issue of sewerage,” he said.
The Commission also sought answers on why there are so many officials who are acting in various roles at Town House, with Mr Chisango admitting that it has created challenges in terms of service delivery.
“We have a lot of people who are acting in various capacities and these people are causing challenges on our operations.”
The Commission also heard that the Harare City is being run by cartels who are controlling its activities, especially the procurement department.
The Commission of Inquiry was established by President Emmerson Mnangagwa to investigate the accounting systems and financial affairs of the Harare City Council since 2017, and it has since unearthed what could turn out to be the biggest corruption scandal in the country.
The Commission of Enquiry, led by Retired High Court Judge Justice Maphios Cheda, will resume on the 9th of next month.
