An Auditor General’s report has revealed that senior managers at Epworth Local Board diverted close to US$100,000 meant for community development projects and instead used it to buy luxury vehicles for themselves.
The audit found that the money, drawn from the Estate Fund which by law is earmarked for essential services such as road construction, sewer systems, and land acquisition under Section 300(2) of the Urban Councils Act, was channelled into car loans worth US$93,400. None of these loans have been repaid.
The report condemned the conduct as a serious abuse of office, warning that it undermines service delivery in a settlement already struggling with collapsing infrastructure, sewage leaks, and frequent outbreaks of disease.
In response, the implicated officials admitted receiving the funds but claimed they had “approval,” despite the law strictly prohibiting such use of the Estate Fund. Their pledge to reimburse the money has not been honoured, further fuelling concerns over a culture of impunity within local authorities.
While Epworth’s residents continue to endure poor services and worsening living conditions, their leaders cruise around in vehicles purchased with public money—a stark reminder of the deep-rooted corruption eroding trust in Zimbabwe’s local governance systems.
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