SYDNEY MUBAIWA
GOKWE- Gokwe Town Council has come under fire for splashing thousands of United States dollars on a disciplinary hearing involving its administrator Luwis Taruvinga over allegations of having employed an unqualified graduate trainee.
The cash strapped local authority has enlisted councillors from Chitungwiza and Zvishavane Town Council who have to drive to Gokwe to conduct a disciplinary hearing for its administrator.
The distance between Zvishavane and Gokwe is approximately 320km while that from Chitungwiza to Gokwe is around 227km.
Council will have to fork out thousands of United States dollars, in sitting allowances, refreshments, tollgate fees, accommodation and fuel for the panel which has been hired to conduct the disciplinary hearing which residents have complained as a waste of resources.
A source close to the case said the local authority was going to splash over US$10 000 to the disciplinary committee in fuel, refreshments, lunches among other costs.
“One wonders why they have felt it prudent to take that expensive route to address an issue whose prejudice to council is insignificant. Why not inviting local councillors or other people from close to this place. We are also surprised why they have rushed to deal with this case. Is it because Taruvinga is also one of the shortlisted candidates for the Town Secretary’s post,” said a source who prayed for anonymity for fear of reprisals.
Gokwe residents felt that the local authority could have done better to save ratepayers’ money rather than embarking on an expensive exercise which will leave a huge financial toil on them.
In a recent full council meeting, councillors and residents questioned the logic of inviting people who reside far away from Gokwe at a time when the local authority is struggling to provide decent service to ratepayers as well as pay its workers.
“The local authority is spending huge resources on trivial issues. In this case, we are calling for an immediate reinstatement of Taruvinga without any disciplinary action.
“A lot is happening within this local authority. As you might be aware, the Acting Town Secretary Engineer Melsen Masukume has a number of issues that also need to be dealt with and he can face arrest if reported and investigated.
“Our local authority is grappling with a myriad of service delivery issues especially construction of drainage systems before the rains to avoid flooding,” said one of the councillors.
When contacted for a comment, council chairperson, Councillor Liscious Mutegwe said as councillors they were not responsible for council officials and referred all questions to Masukume.
“I am in a meeting, however the best person to interview on this issue is the Acting Town Secretary Engineer Masukume because he is the one responsible for all council officials,” he said.
Engineer Masukume could not respond to the questions as his mobile phone was answered by his secretary for several times.
“Mr Masukume is busy, we are in the field right now with budget consultations so I don’t think he will be able to talk. I will ask him to call you back later,” said the secretary in a woman’s voice.
Sources within the local authority said the disciplinary hearing could have been motivated by the bad blood between the administrator and Engineer Masukume who are eying the same post.
