HARARE City Council has begun probing senior staff for allegedly clandestinely processing an estimated 200 illegal shop licences to car dealers operating in the capital’s central business district. REPORT BY MOSES MATENGA STAFF REPORTER
Council spokesperson Leslie Gwindi told NewsDay yesterday the internal probe, aimed at exposing corrupt officials and closing down illegal car dealers’ was prompted by a directive by Local Government minister Ignatius Chombo.
“We have dedicated resources for the programme and all those who claim to have letters will be investigated to see where they got those letters from,” Gwindi said.
“Some of the letters were acquired through illegal means and we want to investigate our system and we will act on those who are corrupt.” Chombo last week ordered the council to clamp down on illegal businesses by closing those without valid licences.
He also ordered that the local authority should pull down illegal billboards in Harare as well as reposition electronic billboards which he described as obstructing motorists.
“Illegal billboards should be pulled down and all lead-flashing screens be repositioned in a manner that is compliant with the best practices by December 31,” Chombo said.
“I hereby direct that council compile a list of car sales and garages and remove illegal ones by December 31. This process should be preceded by vigorous publicity advertising.”
