Staff Reporter
The Commission of Inquiry into the governance of the Harare City Council has officially commenced its investigation.
In a press statement, the chairperson of the Commission of Inquiry, Retired High Court Judge Justice Maphios Cheda extended an invitation for written submissions to all stakeholders of the Harare City Council, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in this investigative process.
In his invitation he highlighted the importance of public participation in the process.
"We are committed to conducting a thorough and transparent investigation. The insights and information from residents and stakeholders are crucial to understanding the challenges and irregularities within the Harare City Council," he stated.
Justice Cheda outlined the terms of reference for the Commission which he described as extensive, covering critical areas of local governance.
"Our investigation will delve into the council's financial management systems, assessing compliance with the Public Finance Management Act and other relevant regulations. We want to ensure that public funds are managed effectively and transparently," Cheda elaborated.
He added that the investigation would also focus on the financial management of revenue generated through special vehicle companies and outsourced arrangements.
“The failure to implement an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system will also be scrutinized, with efforts to quantify any resultant losses. We need to understand why the ERP system failed and what financial impact this failure had on the council's operations," Cheda emphasized.
The statement further elaborated that, property management procedures, particularly those involving the management, sale, lease, or transfer of council properties to private entities, would be a key area of focus. Advising that, the Commission would examine the convening of council meetings and adherence to standing orders and rules to ensure procedural compliance.
“Moreover, the inquiry will review compliance with the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Act. Our goal is to ensure that all transactions and procedures meet the highest standards of legality and integrity," Justice Cheda remarked.
The Commission's efforts are seen as a crucial step in rectifying governance issues within the council. By involving the community and soliciting detailed feedback, the inquiry aims to ensure a thorough and transparent investigation. The outcomes of this Commission could lead to significant reforms within the Harare City Council, enhancing its governance and service delivery.
