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NewsDay

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Harare Council workers besiege Town House

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ANTI-RIOT police yesterday quelled a potentially riotous situation at Harare Town House after angry workers from the Department of Water stormed council

ANTI-RIOT police yesterday quelled a potentially riotous situation at Harare Town House after angry workers from the Department of Water stormed council offices demanding payment of their November and December salaries. BY MOSES MATENGA STAFF REPORTER

The workers were later addressed by Water Engineering director Christopher Zvobgo in the presence of anti-riot police officers. Zvobgo assured them that they would get their salaries today.

The latest job action comes amidst reports of serious infighting between councillors and management over the non-disclosure of the executive’s alleged huge salary perks.

Water Workers’ Union of Zimbabwe president Kenias Chivuzhe told NewsDay that council workers were not happy with “lies” being peddled daily at Town House over their salaries and threatened action if nothing was done.

“Since May last year, they have been telling us that all will be well soon,” Chivuzhe said.

“They have been lying to our leadership. At the moment, the situation is still normal, but we don’t want the management to cripple service delivery. Their action in dealing with this case will determine our next course of action.”

Workers in other departments said they were also owed two months’ salaries.

Meanwhile, Harare mayor Bernard Manyenyeni, town clerk Tendai Mahachi and human resources committee chairperson Wellington Chikombo are expected to meet today to come up with a position regarding workers’ demands for public disclosure of executives’ salaries and perks.

Chikombo confirmed the development yesterday, but declined to give further details.

“Of course, I was mandated to expeditiously deal with the matter which has been a festering sore under the flesh for a long time and we are meeting tomorrow (today). But since I am not the spokesperson, you can get in touch with the mayor,” Chikombo said.

Sources said after today’s meeting, the matter will be referred to full council before a resolution is reached.