Harare's financial paradox: Council collects daily...

Harare's financial paradox: Council collects daily cash, yet services crumble

Zim Now Reporter

Harare City Council is under fire for its failure to provide adequate service delivery to residents despite a lucrative blitz on business licenses that reportedly brings in around $USD 50,000 per day. Residents and watchdogs accuse the council of gross financial mismanagement and a lack of accountability, pointing a finger at the Finance Director, whose contract is being renewed despite a track record of failing to meet key performance indicators.

The city's ongoing "Operation Restore Order," which targets unlicensed businesses, has been a major revenue stream. However, this influx of cash has not translated into visible improvements in basic services like water supply, road maintenance, and waste collection. The capital continues to be plagued by burst sewer pipes, uncollected garbage, and pothole-riddled roads, a situation that has residents questioning where their money is going.

The spotlight is now on the council's financial leadership. The renewal of the contract for Finance Director Godfrey Kusangaya has sparked outrage. A top council official, who requested anonymity, described Kusangaya as appearing "frail and tired," suggesting he may be overwhelmed by the demands of his role.

More damning are the allegations that Kusangaya has a disproportionate amount of power. Sources claim he is the sole signatory of all council accounts and dictates who gets paid for service delivery, a practice that raises serious concerns about transparency and accountability. This is further complicated by the fact that the Town Clerk, the city's highest-ranking administrative officer, is reportedly not involved or even aware of these payment transfers, a system that bypasses established channels and erodes a key layer of financial control. The responsibility for approving such a contract renewal falls to the Human Resources Committee, which is now facing intense scrutiny for its decision despite the widespread criticism of the Finance Director's performance.

Compounding the problem, there are numerous reports that the council has paid suppliers for goods that were never delivered, an issue that points to a breakdown in procurement and a serious lack of oversight. This has a direct impact on the council's ability to operate, as seen by the recent threats of a strike from workers in the water, roads, and other departments who are protesting the unavailability of basic work suits and protective clothing. The non-delivery of essential gear, despite funds being collected, highlights the disconnect between the council's financial activities and the operational realities on the ground.

The current crisis is not an isolated event but a symptom of a deeper, systemic issue within the council. Harare has been operating without a modern financial system since 2019, making it difficult to track revenue and expenditure. Mayor Jacob Mafume has admitted to financial mismanagement, citing the absence of an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system which makes manual accounting susceptible to manipulation.

The city's financial woes are further compounded by a significant debt owed to the council by government entities and parastatals, which has hindered its ability to fund critical services.

While the council's blitz on businesses is generating much-needed revenue, it is clear that simply collecting more money will not solve the problem. Until the issues of financial oversight, accountability, and the concentration of power are addressed, Harare's residents will continue to suffer from poor service delivery.