Political Reporter
The Citizens Coalition for Change's Gweru City Council (GCC) Mayor, Martin Chivhoko, finds himself under scrutiny for allegedly prioritizing leisure and neglecting the welfare of municipal employees.
Accusations abound that while the Mayor indulges in extravagance, workers struggle to make ends meet, prompting a collective outcry over their dire economic plight.
In a letter dated January 31, 2024, addressed to acting Town Clerk, Livingstone Churu, GCC workers expressed frustration over the persistent neglect of their welfare.
According to the source, the letter, a culmination of failed negotiations and unmet demands, underscored the dire circumstances faced by employees struggling to provide even the most basic necessities for their families.
The workers' letter lamented, "Despite repeated appeals and efforts to engage in meaningful dialogue, our cries for salary adjustments have fallen on deaf ears. The inability to afford essentials such as food, rent, and transport severely hampers our ability to fulfil our duties effectively."
While the letter was directed to the Town Clerk, sources within the GCC workforce revealed that Mayor Chivhoko shoulders much of the blame for the prevailing discontent.
Despite being elected to represent the interests of all constituents, Chivhoko stands accused of a lack of engagement with workers' representatives, consistently evading meetings called to address their concerns.
One disgruntled worker voiced the collective sentiment, expressing a desire for Chivhoko's recall and replacement by someone who genuinely prioritizes the welfare of the workforce.
"We need a leader who understands the struggles of the common worker, someone who will fight for our rights and ensure that our voices are heard," said the disgruntled worker.
Echoing similar sentiments, another worker lamented the trend of opposition councillors and mayors neglecting workers' welfare, viewing their tenure as an opportunity for personal enrichment rather than service to the community.
In response to the mounting criticism, Mayor Chivhoko asserted that negotiations between the council and workers were underway to address grievances.
However, scepticism persists among workers who remain unconvinced of meaningful action being taken to alleviate their plight.
