Staff Reporter

The Harare City Council (HCC), under the leadership of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), has faltered in its obligation to pay its employees, exacerbating the already dire situation of service delivery in the capital city.

According to a source within the HCC, workers are yet to receive their December 2023 salaries, with little action being taken by management to address this critical issue.

This failure to honour salary obligations has not only left employees financially strained but has also compromised service delivery, as some resort to underhand activities to make ends meet.

"The situation has become dire, with workers turning to corrupt practices to secure funds from ratepayers merely to sustain themselves. Council employees are increasingly demanding extra payments for services provided, extending even to council clinics. Nurses, in particular, are offering assistance primarily to those who can offer something in return," lamented the source, highlighting the deepening crisis within the council.

Renowned analyst, Elton Ziki, expressed grave concerns over the implications of HCC's failure to remunerate its workers promptly, emphasising the risk of fostering corruption and compromising ethical integrity.

"The failure to remunerate employees not only fosters corruption but also compromises ethical integrity. Individuals affected may be inclined to turn a blind eye to illicit activities in exchange for bribes," Ziki remarked.

Ziki further criticised the council's misplaced priorities, urging a strategic re-evaluation and redirection of focus.

"Instead of indulging in workshops and resort escapades, councillors should redirect their focus towards rectifying the chaos engulfing Town House," he emphasised.

Meanwhile, the financial crisis has also engulfed another CCC-led Chitungwiza Municipality Council, leaving employees in dire straits with December salaries still pending.

As both councils grapple with mounting challenges, the plight of workers remains unresolved, and the spectre of service delivery continues to loom ominously over residents, underscoring the urgent need for decisive action to mitigate the crisis and restore public trust in local governance.