City Of Harare Pays Millions For 43 Roads That Were Never Built
The City of Harare reportedly paid millions of US dollars for the rehabilitation of 43 roads that were never built. A 2019 internal audit revealed that the projects, fully paid for, had no work done on the ground.
According to the audit, over US$7,4 million (R135,6 million) was disbursed that year alone. However, site inspections confirmed no visible construction. One notable case involved Fossil Contracting, which allegedly received US$1,7 million (R31,14 million) for work on Kelvin South Road — a road that remains untouched.
Harare’s acting finance director, Mr Godfrey Kusangaya, told a Government-appointed Commission of Inquiry that the city lacked proper systems to monitor contracts.
“We do not have a consolidated balance sheet that includes entities such as Harare Quarry, Rufaro Marketing, or City Parking. We rely on manual records which are often incomplete or delayed,” he said before the Justice Maphios Cheda-led Commission.
Water Project Funds Also Questioned
The investigation also unearthed problems in water infrastructure projects. In 2013, the city obtained a US$144 million (R2,64 billion) loan from China Eximbank for the rehabilitation of Morton Jaffray Waterworks. Yet, key components were reportedly never delivered.
Sidal Engineering was allegedly awarded a major pipe replacement tender without public tendering. Despite receiving significant advance payments, the company allegedly failed to start the work.
More Questionable Contracts And Missing Millions
A US$9,2 million (R168,36 million) street lighting tender to Juluka Enndo Joint Venture, linked to local businessmen Mike Chimombe and Moses Mpofu, is also under scrutiny. The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission arrested town clerk Hosiah Chisango for allegedly awarding the tender without competitive bidding.
An audit into Harare Quarry revealed the disappearance of US$4,5 million (R82,35 million) in loans advanced by the city in 2018. The Parker Randall audit found no signed agreements, no repayment plans, and ghost employees with inflated salaries.
Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe expressed concern.
“The level of financial mismanagement uncovered at the City of Harare is unacceptable. Funds meant to improve lives are being looted with no accountability,”
said Minister Garwe.
The Commission of Inquiry has submitted its findings to the President’s Office. According to The Herald, City of Harare spokesperson Mr Stanley Gama did not respond to questions sent via WhatsApp, although messages showed as read.
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The post How Harare Paid US$7,4 Million For Roads That Don’t Exist appeared first on iHarare News.
