HARARE mayor Muchadeyi Masunda has “raised a red flag” over city councillors and top officials’ profligacy through excessive travelling and standing committees’ expenditures that have seen operational costs ballooning to unsustainable levels.
REPORT BY MOSES MATENGA
In a circular dated April 23 addressed to councillors and all heads of departments, Masunda said: “I have noted with grave concern that there is lack of seriousness in saving costs wherever and whenever possible by heads of department and indeed council and its standing committees.
“We do not have to be reminded that the whole country is in dire financial straits and the City of Harare is no exemption. There is neither rhyme nor reason for any head of department or any council official to fly business class to attend conferences in Zimbabwe or within Sadc and East African community.”
In particular, Masunda rapped top officials and managers for overspending on travel and advised them to use economy class instead of business class when flying on council business.
“The Town Clerk and all heads of department are, therefore, directed to exercise restraint when spending council funds. We should all endeavour to lead by example by cutting costs wherever and whenever possible as the City of Harare is currently cash-strapped,” he said.
Meanwhile, Masunda last week told NewsDay that the construction of the over 3 000 housing units by CABS in Budiriro suburb will start soon. The project was stalled after Local Government minister Ignatius Chombo accused Masunda of being conflicted as he was both mayor and chairman of Old Mutual, a holding company for CABS.
But a probe team set by Chombo exonerated the mayor after establishing that he had recused himself during negotiations over the deal.
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“It’s going ahead. CABS has put up tenders for services to be done and very soon. CABS will put out tenders for contractors for those with capacity to build the houses,” he said.
