Harare City Council in Shambles: Parliament Uncovers Shocking Corruption and Mismanagement
Harare, Zimbabwe – A damning report from Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee has exposed gross incompetence, unchecked corruption, and financial mismanagement within the Harare City Council, further shaking public trust in the already embattled local authority.
The findings, which stem from the Auditor General’s Value for Money Audit Report, have triggered national outrage and reignited calls for urgent government intervention to restore order and transparency in Zimbabwe’s capital city.
Massive Revenue Leak from Illegal Billboards
One of the most startling revelations is the rampant loss of revenue from illegal billboards. While the city officially collects fees from only 187 legal billboards, there are an estimated 5,000 illegal billboards generating no income for council coffers.
Even more alarming, some city officials were found to be personally benefiting from these unregistered billboards, pocketing money meant for public services. When asked why these structures haven’t been removed, officials claimed a lack of cranes—only for it to emerge that some of them are complicit in the illegal operations.
“This is a blatant conflict of interest. The people entrusted with enforcing the law are the same ones breaking it,” noted one committee member.
Systemic Rot: A Tale of Two Reports
This parliamentary inquiry follows closely on the heels of the explosive findings of the Justice Maphios Cheda Commission of Inquiry, which also uncovered deep-rooted rot in Harare’s administration. That report is currently under consideration by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who has reiterated his Second Republic’s zero-tolerance stance on corruption.
“The investigation is part of the government’s broader push for accountability. No public official is above the law,” said a senior government spokesperson.
Leadership Under Fire
The Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC)-run council is under mounting pressure to explain how such widespread dysfunction could persist under their watch. Residents are demanding answers—and action.
“The people of Harare deserve better. This level of incompetence and self-enrichment must stop,” said one outraged resident during a community meeting in Mbare.
Calls for Central Government Takeover Grow Louder
As the situation deteriorates, many are now calling on central government to intervene directly—possibly through the establishment of a Commission to take over the management of Harare City Council.
Analysts say a temporary commission could stabilize the city and restore the values of accountability, transparency, and good governance.
“The status quo is unacceptable. This city cannot be allowed to collapse under the weight of its own leadership,” said a political analyst.
Conclusion
The Harare City Council scandal is yet another reminder of the urgent need for reform in urban governance. If the City Fathers continue to shirk responsibility, the central government must act decisively—not only to protect public funds but to defend the basic dignity of Harare’s long-suffering residents.
