By [Thabani Zororai]
Published: April 21, 2025
Public Outcry Over Dubious Building Approval in Vainona
Residents of Harare are expressing deep frustration following revelations of a corruption scandal involving the Harare City Council (HCC). At the center of the controversy is the approval of a double-storey building at the intersection of Alpes and Grant Roads in Vainona. Despite clear violations of building codes and zoning laws, senior council officials allegedly sanctioned the construction, raising serious concerns about governance and accountability within the council.
The incident has ignited widespread anger among citizens who have long endured deteriorating infrastructure and inadequate public services. “How can these officials claim to be fighting corruption when they are the ones feeding it?” questioned a resident during a recent community meeting.
Systemic Corruption Unveiled by Justice Cheda Commission
The Vainona scandal is not an isolated incident but part of a broader pattern of corruption within the HCC. The Justice Maphios Cheda-led Commission of Inquiry, established by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, has uncovered extensive mismanagement and corruption dating back to 2017. Findings include the abandonment of proper town planning procedures and the illegal sale of land, often facilitated by land barons with the complicity of council officials.
Edgar Dzehonye, HCC Housing Principal Officer, testified that “proper town planning procedures and processes have been thrown out of the window and into the trash can,” highlighting the depth of the crisis.
Financial Mismanagement and Unaccounted Funds
Financial irregularities within the HCC have also come to light. A staggering US$105 million is reportedly unaccounted for, raising questions about the council’s financial oversight. Costa Mande, chairperson of the council’s finance and development committee, confirmed the discrepancy, stating, “We had to query the staff, and I think there was a recommendation to verify those figures.”
Additionally, the council’s procurement processes have come under scrutiny. Investigations reveal that the HCC has been importing water treatment chemicals worth US$6 million per month from South Africa and China, despite the availability of local suppliers. This practice has raised suspicions of corrupt dealings involving middlemen and inflated contracts.
Calls for Accountability and Reform
The cumulative effect of these scandals has eroded public trust in the HCC. Residents and civic organizations are demanding immediate action, including the suspension of implicated officials and comprehensive audits of council operations. The Harare Residents’ Trust has called for government intervention to restore integrity and transparency within the council.
Former Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) leader Nelson Chamisa has also criticized the conduct of CCC councillors, accusing them of rejecting anti-corruption measures and exploiting legal loopholes to evade accountability.
Conclusion
The Vainona building scandal serves as a stark reminder of the deep-seated corruption within the Harare City Council. As investigations continue, the residents of Harare are left grappling with the consequences of mismanagement and the urgent need for systemic reform.
