Staff Reporter

The opposition-led Harare City Council (HCC) is facing intense criticism from residents after revelations emerged that top management awarded themselves new Toyota Fortuner GD-6 sport utility vehicles (SUVs).

Each SUV costs around US$70,000 for the lowest-priced model, a significant expenditure at a time when the council is grappling with severe service delivery issues.

According to an insider at HCC, the luxurious vehicles were purchased from a local car dealer and allocated to ten officials in Grade Four positions.

However, these officials have been hesitant to drive the new SUVs to the Town House, fearing public backlash over the extravagant expenditure.

"The vehicles were acquired discreetly, and the officials are concerned about the public's reaction if they are seen driving these luxury cars. It has become a sensitive issue within the council," said the insider, who requested anonymity.

News of the purchase has sparked outrage among Harare residents, many of whom are already frustrated with the council's failure to address basic service delivery needs.

Harare Residents Trust Director, Precious Shumba, has called for immediate Government intervention.

"The acquisition of these luxury vehicles is a gross misuse of public funds. At a time when the city is struggling with basic service delivery, this kind of expenditure is unacceptable. We urge the Government to conduct a thorough audit of the HCC and direct the council to prioritise service delivery over luxury," said Shumba.

Residents have expressed their discontent with the council's decision, highlighting ongoing issues such as burst sewer pipes and water shortages.

Mary Chigiji, a resident of Budiriro 5, voiced her frustration over the council's apparent disregard for the community's pressing needs.

"It is disheartening to see the HCC prioritising luxury vehicles over essential services. We have been dealing with burst sewer pipes and a persistent water shortage. The council's decision to purchase these SUVs shows a complete lack of empathy for the residents' struggles. There needs to be a leadership overhaul at HCC to ensure accountability and better service delivery," Chigiji said.

Efforts by this publication to obtain a comment from Harare City Council spokesperson Stanley Gama were unsuccessful as he was not answering his mobile phones.

Similarly, Councilor George Mujajati, Chairperson of the Human Resources and General Purposes Committee, declined to comment on the matter.