By Lovemore Chazingwa
Some Kadoma councillors are refusing to employ security officers recruited by previous Councilors on grounds that they were not part of the selection process.
The incumbent councillors also allege that the officers were cronies of the previous councillors.
“Before the 2023 harmonized election, City of Kadoma called for candidates to apply as security officers.
“(The move was) meant to bolster loss controll and revenue generation operations,” a source says.
However, after indentifying the personnel, the exercise was stalled by a lack of funds in council coffers.
Funds are in now place to accommodate the approved security details but the councillors have raised new issues.
As it is, those that qualified have not been able to take up their duties.
Inside sources say the sitting councillors have their own candidates they deem suitable for the same roles.
“This has brought the whole exercise to a halt at a time council needs the personnel to strengthen its watchdog department,” the source said.
Most councils have a provision that allows each councilor to provide a specific quota of contract workers.
The councillors usually use the opportunity to incorporate their political supporters.
Kadoma council currently has almost 400 employees and has previously struggled to pay them.
Late last year the workers declared incapacitation and demanded payment of their outstanding two months’ salaries plus a 13th cheque.
The dispute ultimately dragged in Zimbabwe Urban Council Workers’ Union and Zimbabwe Urban and Rural Council Workers Union.
