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SAVIOUR KASUKUWERE

Municipal Reporter
Local Government, Public Works and National Housing Minister Saviour Kasukuwere is set to wield the axe on blundering Chitungwiza Municipality councillors following reports of abuse of funds and poor services delivery. Sources in the ministry said Minister Kasukuwere had his eyes set on the troubled

council. The Herald reported last week of a system collapse at Chitungwiza Municipality with monthly revenue collections dwindling to figures between $700 000 and $900 000 against a $1,2 million wage bill.

This explains why council is failing to pay salaries and to provide basic services. “The minister is not amused with the circus happening at Chitungwiza Municipality. He will soon descend on the troubled town. There have been numerous complains not only from workers, but residents too. Various allegations have been levelled against management and councillors, chief among them abuse of funds,” said the source.

Minister Kasukuwere confirmed he was watching developments at Chitungwiza closely. He refused to give further details on how he intended to solve problems.

“I am following the developments,” he said. Last week Chitungwiza chamber secretary, Ms Priscilla Vengesai, was sacked after she was found guilty of conduct inconsistent with the conditions of her contract. Town clerk Mr George Makunde said a special council meeting agreed to dismiss Ms Vengesai.

Reads part of the judgment: “The council hereby adopts and ratifies the dismissal of Ms Priscilla Vengesai with effect from the date of suspension. Accordingly, Ms Priscilla Vengesai is hereby discharged from council’s employ with effect from date of suspension. “Authority is hereby being sought for council to place an advertisement for the filling of the post after submitting a report to the Local Government Board.”

Ms Vengesai is challenging her dismissal. “I was not handed my judgment after the stipulated 14 days of my disciplinary hearing. Today (Monday), the Town Clerk should have handed me my dismissal later. If you dismiss someone, you give the person a letter and judgment,” she said. Ms Vengesai was suspended in August following accusations that she mobilised councillors to pass a vote of no confidence on her superiors.

The allegations were that she wanted to topple Chitungwiza mayor Mr Phillip Mutoti and his deputy when she called for a special meeting .