By Correspondent
The City of Harare has been issued an ultimatum to commit in writing to its promise to pay outstanding salaries to council workers in Grades 7 to 16.
The order, from National Employment Council for Municipalities and Allied Institutions (NECMAI) comes amid growing desperation among employees and their families.
According to a detailed letter from the Chairperson of the NECMAI, Dr Rogers Matsikidze, council workers are in a dire financial situation due to months of unpaid wages.
Dr Matsikidze said, “The position on the ground is that employees and their families are facing eviction for unpaid rentals.
“Children are out of school because fees have not been paid and employees cannot fund transport to and from work.
“This is affecting attendance and service delivery through no fault of their own.
“Bank loans serviced by stop-order have fallen into arrears, exposing employees to penalties and garnishee orders against salaries that remain unpaid.
The Harare Residents’ Trust (HRT) has also weighed.
HRT had urged the Acting Town Clerk to ensure that council workers in the lower grades receive their salaries and allowances as and when they are due every month.
Different Payroll
At the center of workers’ anger is the issue of a secret payroll for top managers.
“Different models of latest vehicles have been visible in the City of Harare carparks.
“(This is) a clear indicator that the well-being of senior workers is being attended to without any sweat and lobbying,” the letter notes.
“The situation is different for the grades 7- 16 in council.
The Commission of Inquiry into Harare revealed that Council shells out about US$500 000 a month towards salaries for executives.
The town clerk reportedly received a monthly salary of US$27 000, which can increase to US$30 000 with additional perks.
Meanwhile, the least-paid executive earns US$15 000 per month.
None of these salaries and perks had the approval of the Local Government Board.
In addition, directors who reportedly have “no pay slips”, spent US$124 000 on foreign trips in 2024.
On top of that US$1 million was spent on high-end vehicles during the 2023 election period.
The NEC and residents’ groups are now demanding a written commitment from the City on when the salary arrears will be cleared.
They have warned that failure to act will further cripple service delivery in the capital.
