By Correspondent
Harare Quarry officials have been accused of embezzling US$4,5 million advanced by Harare Council as a recapitalisation loan.
The allegations were made by Council Business Committee Chairperson Cllr Lovemore Makuwerere.
Makuwerere, who was presenting before the Harare Commission of Inquiry, said the officials have even refused to report the matter to ZACC.
“In 2014 they were given a loan by the City of Harare of US$4.5 million.
“In 2022 the Committee asked why they were producing nothing. “There was a recommendation for a forensic audit.
“The forensic audit showed that there was misuse of funds.
“Following the forensic audit’s findings, the committee adopted a resolution instructing the board chairperson to report the matter to ZACC and the chairperson did not comply.
According to Makuwerere, Harare Quarry Chair Oswell Binha, said he wasn’t part of proceedings when the resolution was agreed.
“We resolved that if the board chairperson failed to file the report, the Town Clerk would assume responsibility for submitting it,” Makuwerere said.
The decision to hand over the matter to TC Hosiah Chisango was made at a Full Council in August this year.
However, there has been no movement as yet to resolve the issue.
Mismanagement Rife At Council
Council’s Director for Works, Isaiah Chawatama and other members of management have been blamed by the Commissioners of being complicit in the poor performance of Harare Quarry.
Harare Quarry is led by a five-member board, with only two independent members.
The other three are City of Harare employees, including Chawatama.
During the hearings, legal practitioner Norbert Phiri, who is part of the Commission said mismanagement is the main problem.
“The majority of the board members at Harare Quarry is made up of City of Harare employees or assignees.
“So the failures of Harare Quarry are a result of the City of Harare since you control the majority”.
“You agreed that Harare Quarry is underperforming and one attributed it to mismanagement.
“However, the mine is managed by its board members, including yourself and the majority being city of Harare employees.
”The Commission has been given a six months tenure to investigate Council business.
However, it has the flexibility to extend the period.
So far it has managed to bare open multiple shady and illegal operations at the Local Authority.
