Stakeholders have commended President Mnangagwa for establishing a Commission of Inquiry tasked with investigating the accounting systems and financial affairs of the Harare City Council over the past seven years. They believe that this move has the potential to bring much-needed order to the beleaguered local authority.
According to The Herald, local government and wetlands management expert Mr. Selestino Chari praised the establishment of the Commission, expressing optimism about its ability to address the numerous challenges facing the capital city. Chari highlighted the lack of a land bank, enterprise resource planning system, clear land management policies and procedures, and a coherent wetlands management policy within the council.
Chari remarked, "This should be handled objectively. We hope that stakeholders will be engaged, and all findings and recommendations will be made available for a better city in the future."
Echoing similar sentiments, Mr. Precious Shumba, the director of the Harare Residents Trust, emphasized the timely appointment of the Commission, given the near collapse of service delivery. Shumba pointed out issues such as inadequate refuse collection, property sales, inaccurate billing, water supply challenges, and rampant corruption in procurement processes.
Shumba elaborated, "Water supplies are hovering around 40 percent, with 60 percent of households relying on private and community boreholes, shallow and unprotected wells, and those with the means resorting to buying from private water traders. Corruption has taken root in the procurement of goods and services."
Mr. Shumba also expressed concern about unproductive workshops held outside of Harare and highlighted the absence of a functional billing system for the capital city.
Former councillor Stewart Mutizwa welcomed the Commission without bias, asserting its necessity in restoring financial probity and accountability within the councils.
Mr. Shalva Chikomba, Chairperson of the Zimbabwe National Organisation of Associations and Residents Trusts, expressed confidence in the Commission's ability to address Harare's challenges, foreseeing a much-needed cleanup of the city's affairs.
