Staff Reporter

The Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC)-led City of Harare (CoH) risks exposing its residents to water borne diseases from untreated water, as it fails to honour its debt obligation with the largest producer of water treatment chemicals, Zimbabwe Phosphate Industries (ZimPhos).

Speaking to this publication ZANU PF Ward 5 Councillor, Abdurrahman Sapa condemned the city fathers for failing to manage the affairs of Harare and for operating without a Finance Manager.

“The CoH has been operating without a Finance Director and a budget for the longest time. 

“It was a free for all. Whoever thought they could justify their request for a workshop in Nyanga or any other resort for that matter? They did.

“In that respect the CoH’s financial irresponsibility is now manifesting in its staggering debt with ZimPhos which is now totalling US$2.8 million,” said the Sapa

Furthermore, the Government has been availing an allocation from ZINARA to the CCC-led CoH, but management has been diverting the funds for a lavish lifestyle and prioritising the purchase of luxurious vehicles at the expense of human safety. The HCC management is known for facilitating expensive workshops and claiming unreasonable sitting allowances.

The misallocation of funds meant for water operations has left residents reliant on contaminated boreholes, breeding grounds for waterborne diseases like cholera and typhoid. The failure to adequately supply water treatment plants with essential chemicals exacerbates the issue, perpetuating the cycle of inadequate water provision.

Moreover, the neglect extends beyond water services, as evidenced by the council's failure to maintain basic sanitation, leading to a proliferation of uncollected refuse and loss of Harare's once-pristine image.

Meanwhile, Harare Mayor, Jacob Mafume was recently recorded lambasting the new CoH IT manager for failing to manipulate the books in a bid to try and conceal financial mismanagement. This was after the Government intervened by appointing a Commission of Enquiry to dig into the affairs of the Council.