City of Gweru Fails to Pay Delayed December Salari...

City of Gweru Fails to Pay Delayed December Salaries for Workers

Witness Runodada

Zim Now Writer

The City of Gweru is facing a severe financial crisis, leaving municipal workers unpaid for their December 2024 salaries and raising concerns over the likelihood of receiving their January 2025 wages. Frustrated employees have expressed growing despair, citing mounting financial obligations such as rent, school fees, and other essential expenses.

“We need to pay rent, school fees, and many other bills this January, but we are not hopeful about receiving our salaries anytime soon,” said one affected worker. The delay has left employees struggling with financial uncertainty and unable to meet their daily needs.

In an effort to seek answers, workers approached the relevant city committee to request a meeting to discuss the issue. However, no date has been set for discussions, deepening concerns over when they will receive their overdue wages.

When contacted for comment, Brilliant Munyamani, chairperson of the Gweru Union Branch, attributed the salary delays to a significant drop in municipal cash inflows throughout 2024. Speaking in a phone interview, he revealed that workers were given a token payment of just US$100 last week, which he acknowledged was grossly insufficient to meet their financial needs.

“The City of Gweru has a $9 million deficit to cover workers’ salaries,” Munyamani explained. He further disclosed that the city’s wage bill currently stands at approximately US$15 million, exacerbating its financial struggles.

With no confirmed date for the payment of December salaries, workers remain in limbo, enduring financial hardship with no immediate solution in sight.