Road construction company Bitumen World (Private) Limited has distanced itself from corruption allegations made by Bikita South legislator Energy Mutodi, who claimed the firm was forced to pay kickbacks to a senior government official in exchange for payments.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Bitumen World said it had “taken note” of social media posts made by Mutodi on X (formerly Twitter), in which he alleged that the company was required to pay US$200,000 to Mr. George Guvamatanga, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion, for every US$2 million authorised in weekly payments.
“Bitumen World (Private) Limited trading as ‘Bitumen’ would like to dissociate itself from the post made by Dr. Energy Mutodi@energymutodi to the extent that the contents thereof relate to it. We categorically state that we have not received any solicitations from Mr. George Guvamatanga,” the company said.
Chief Executive Officer Andre Zietsman reaffirmed the company’s commitment to working transparently with government and relevant agencies to support Zimbabwe’s infrastructure development agenda.
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“Bitumen World remains firmly committed to supporting the Government of Zimbabwe’s infrastructure development agenda. The company continues to work with relevant ministries and agencies to deliver quality, sustainable projects that strengthen the national road network and contribute to the country's long-term economic growth,” Zietsman said.
The company’s statement comes amid growing political fallout from Mutodi’s corruption allegations, which have sparked widespread debate both online and within government circles.
On Tuesday, Parliament’s Committee on Standing Rules and Orders (CSRO) dismissed Mutodi from his position as Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Budget, Finance and Investment Promotion. The decision, communicated in a letter signed by Speaker of Parliament Jacob Mudenda, stated that Mutodi’s tenure was terminated with immediate effect in line with Standing Order No. 19 of the National Assembly.
Mutodi’s removal followed a series of public posts in which he accused Guvamatanga of demanding bribes of between five and ten percent from contractors and ministries to release allocated funds. He also alleged that Parliament itself had been denied funding after refusing to pay such kickbacks.
The Zanu-PF legislator later retracted parts of his statement, saying he had “amicably resolved” the matter with the Finance Ministry official.
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