Harare City Council plagued by corruption allegations

Staff Reporter

Shocking allegations of corruption have emerged within the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) led Harare City Council (HCC) specifically targeted at the Department of Works.

A source who preferred anonymity, revealed insights into the department's alleged mismanagement of fuel resources.

"The Harare City Council’s Department of Works is requesting more fuel than required, inflating the weekly amount of fuel needed. It is alarming to note that they are requesting 18,000 litres of fuel every week for just 12 trucks, which is not practical.

“What it means is that each truck would require 1500 litres of fuel per week, about 7.5 drums per vehicle per week.   I would say even if it was for 18 dump trucks, 1000 litres per truck is just too much, considering that they rarely ever pick refuse from the residents.  The fuel that they are requesting per week is a lot,” argued the source.

Furthermore, the source disclosed concerns by the residents of Harare City regarding the issue of poor service delivery around the City specifically that of refuse collection.

"Residents have been constantly complaining about the lack of refuse collection around the City’s urban areas, that is why it is quite clear that the CCC-led council is inflating its fuel requests,” said the source.

Political commentator and Journalist, Hopewell Chin’ono, also commented on the lack of refuse collection around Harare saying, “Dear Harare City Council, removing rubbish is so basic that it doesn’t need excuses at all, you guys can’t remove something so basic as rubbish in the centre of the city.”

When approached for a comment, officials from the City’s Department of Works denied any wrongdoing and claimed that the fuel requests were justified based on operational needs.

However, citizens are demanding a thorough investigation into these allegations to ensure accountability within the CCC-led Harare City Council. Urgent action is being demanded to address these allegations and hold the responsible parties to account.