The Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (Zimstat) has disowned 14 drivers contemplating suing the agency over non-payment of their allowances.
Report by Obey Manayiti Staff Reporter Zimstat Population Census and Survey director, one WT Mapepa said the drivers should demand their allowances from the Central Mechanical and Equipment Department (CMED).
In a September 14 letter to the drivers’ final demand of their $600 allowances per person, Mapepa added that Zimstat never had a contract with them.
Drivers who took part in the just-ended census in Mutare and elsewhere in the country claimed that they were promised $50 each daily and that they worked for 12 days, which translates to $600 per person.
After failing to get satisfactory answers from relevant authorities, including Manicaland provincial governor Chris Mushohwe and Provincial Administrator Fungai Mbetsa, the drivers through their lawyer Passmore Nyakureba wrote to Zimstat and Finance minister Tendai Biti demanding their dues.
The drivers argued that in some parts of the country their colleagues who provided the same services were paid their monies in full. But Mapepa in his response said at no time did Zimstat hire the drivers.
Part of the letter reads: “The drivers were not hired by Zimstat. Vehicles were hired by CMED for the use in the national programme (census 2012). The vehicles, we are reliably informed by CMED, were owner-driven. We are also reliably informed that the said owners signed a contract with CMED. They did not sign a contract with Zimstat.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
“Our staff though with good intentions, but lacking in experience in running such a national project wrongfully paid the said owners of the vehicles. It is sad that people accepted such payment knowing fully well that they were not entitled to it.”
Mapepa further wrote: “At the moment, we are in the process of trying to recover those monies through CMED. Our Mash East office has already communicated this to CMED Mash East Office. It would be advisable if the said owners approached CMED for further clarification on this issue.”
However, Nyakureba hit back saying: “It’s just a bare denial and there is no substance in what they are saying. They paid other drivers and why not those from Manicaland?
“The issue is not about CMED hiring their vehicles, but it’s about payment of allowances. We will proceed in terms of the State Liabilities Act and then give notice to sue.”
