CHRA accuses council workers of demanding bribes

Oscar J Jeke

The Combined Harare Residents Association has raised concern over Harare council workers whom they accuse of demanding bribes when called to fix sewer bursts among other service delivery tasks.

This comes at a time the country, including Harare, is faced with spiking cases of cholera.

Harare residents allege that they are asked to pay amounts ranging between US$5 and US$10 for the sewer bursts on their properties to be attended to.

CHRA chairperson, Precious Shumba told Zim Now in an interview that the development is unfortunate as the residents are billed by council, while the workers who come to fix the sewer bursts also demand money.

“Residents are billed for sewerage and should not be required to pay any money when they need their sewer bursts to be repaired,” Shumba said.

He added that his Trust considers the actions of the errant council workers as a symbol of council’s work ethic.

“Several reports go unattended, increasing the risk of deepening the cholera situation. There is need to put in place clear mechanisms for the consistent monitoring and oversight of the water, sanitation and hygiene services,” Shumba added.

Efforts to get comment from Harare City Council spokesperson, Stanley Gama, were futile as he had not responded to questions sent to him by the time of writing.

The association also noted that poor working conditions and delayed payment of monthly salaries and allowances has caused disgruntlement among council workers hence can be the reason why the employees demand bribes.