By Andrew Muvishi
Marondera Municipality has defended plans to acquire new vehicles for senior officials, saying the purchases are part of contractual obligations.
The move comes amid concerns from residents over service delivery and the reported cost of the proposed fleet.
Sources in Council say that Town Clerk Rinashe Nyamuzihwa is expected to receive a Toyota Land Cruiser, while Director of Housing and Community Services Thomas Ndoro will get a Toyota Fortuner.
Chamber Secretary Antonia Zvoutete is reportedly set to receive a Toyota Hilux.
Mayor Chengetai Murowa and the Director for Planning are also expected to benefit, with Murowa reportedly getting a Prado.
The sources allege the municipality has already submitted a formal request to the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works seeking approval for the purchases.
Angry Residents
The reported procurement has drawn scrutiny from ratepayers who have questioned Council’s priorities.
The municipality continues to face challenges involving water supplies, roads, sewer infrastructure and refuse collection.
However, Marondera Municipality Public Relations Officer Kudakwashe Ruzvidzo said the vehicle purchases were legally justified.
He said they are necessary to meet contractual obligations to senior management.
“Council, as a third tier of Government, is compelled to fulfil legal obligations as dictated by law.
“Newly appointed senior officials are entitled to service vehicles under their contracts.
“Replacements are (also) necessary where existing cars have reached the end of their usable life,” he said.
The controversy comes about three years after the local authority surrendered 150 hectares of land in exchange for service delivery machinery.
The transaction had raised expectations among residents that municipal infrastructure would receive a significant boost.
The proposed purchases have nevertheless revived criticism from residents.
This has been more acute after reports that some senior officials already have relatively new vehicles.
“We are struggling with water shortages and poor roads, yet council wants to buy Prados and Land Cruisers.
This shows misplaced priorities,” said one resident who declined to be named.
Another ratepayer, Rudo Chikowore of Dombotombo, said: “we pay rates expecting better services, not to fund luxury for officials.
“Council should fix sewer bursts and garbage collection first”.
