DT Correspondent
In a shocking display of disregard for the pressing issues facing the Metropolitan, City of Harare councillors and directors are having a lavish workshop in Nyanga, costing ratepayers a staggering $12,000.
This extravagant expenditure comes at a time when the city is grappling with an all-time low in service delivery and a severe cholera crisis.
Official reports indicate that Harare has already recorded 15 deaths due to cholera, with 150 confirmed cases.
Yet, the City Fathers have chosen to prioritize their own strategic thinking workshop at the luxurious Troutbeck resort, leaving residents to suffer the consequences.
The decision to attend the workshop was approved by City of Harare Town Clerk Hosiah Chisango, acting human capital director Matthew Marara, and acting finance director Godfrey Kusangaya.
Despite the outcry from ratepayers, 23 councillors and top directors, including Mayor Lovejoy Chitengu and Deputy Mayor Rosemary Muronda, are attending the workshop along with drivers and aides.
The workshop is expected to end today, their travel expenses amounts to a staggering ZW$132.4 million ($12,000).
While the council claims that the workshop will provide strategic insights and new experiences, residents have condemned the expenditure as a blatant waste of money, particularly in light of the ongoing cholera outbreak.
“When we talk about responsible leadership at local authority level, we are talking about leadership that is informed by the citizens’ needs and at this juncture these include waste management and water supply in a bid to address cholera.
“When we are in the middle of such a humanitarian crisis, councillors have no sensitivity to realise that it is not the time for workshops but serious business which is engaging with residents and stakeholders.” Harare Residents Trust director Precious Shumba has said.
Harare’s most affected areas, including Kuwadzana, Glen View, Glen Norah, and Budiriro, continue to suffer from the cholera outbreak.
The city council’s decision to prioritize a luxury retreat over addressing this public health crisis and improving service delivery has sparked outrage among ratepayers.
As the city battles to contain the cholera outbreak and residents endure substandard services, the extravagant spending on the workshop raises serious questions about the council’s priorities and its commitment to the well-being of its citizens.
