By Correspondent
President Mnangagwa has appointed a Commission of Inquiry to investigate Harare City Council after multiple complaints and issues have been raised.
The Commission shall be chaired by retired Judge, Justice Maphios Cheda.
The Permanent Secretary for Local Government and Public Works will be the Secretary for the Commission.
The inquiry shall be held for a period of 6 months with an option for extension of a further 3 months.
The terms of reference for the Commission include investigating financial management systems and audit compliance with the Public Finance Management Act.
Council will also be investigated on its management of revenue made from special vehicle companies and other sources arrangements.
The gazette also requires an investigation behind the failure to operate an Enterprise Resource Planning system and quantify any losses accruing as a result.
Harare has been operating without an ERP for over 5 years leading to inflated bills for residents and an unclear financial position for the entity.
“I do direct that the Commission probe and investigate convening of council meetings as well as adherence to standing orders and rule.
Other areas to be covered include council’s compliance with procurement laws inclusive of disposal of assets.
The Commission has also been given liberty to investigate any other areas which it may deem relevant.
A report is expected to be presented to President Mnangagwa within three months of concluding the investigation.
The decision by Mnangagwa is reminiscent of previous actions which acted as precursors to the installation of a Commission to run Harare.
Opposition players have always viewed the move as a gimmick to usurp power from the elected Councillors.
The last Commission to run Harare, led by Sekesai Makwavarara was embroiled in a lot of corrupt activities.
