Chisango’s Proxy To Face Probe for Unmerited Promotions and $5000 Self-Enrichment Schemes
The City of Harare, once a thriving metropolis, has been ravaged by rampant corruption, looting, and a total collapse of service delivery, prompting President Mnangagwa to establish a Commission of Inquiry to investigate the rot.
At the heart of the crisis is the duo of Engineer Hosiah Chisango, the Town Clerk and Acting Human Capital Director Rtd Major Matthew Marara, who have presided over a regime of unbridled corruption, nepotism, and abuse of power. Marara, who has openly endorsed self-enrichment schemes through workshops where executive grades receive an average of $5000 per person, has also been accused of being the mastermind behind the looting in City Companies and corruption, using his alleged military connections to intimidate and manipulate employees and Council processes.
The Commission, which has the power to investigate any matter deemed appropriate and relevant to the inquiry, has been urged to investigate Marara’s actions and decisions as Human Capital Director. In addition to his controversial reinstatement, which was justified by the dubious excuse that his resignation letter couldn’t be found, Marara is working without a contract.
Marara unprocedurally brought in job evaluation for self aggrandisement and subsequently promoted himself to a non existent post of ‘Executive Assistant to the Town Clerk’, without ratification from the Local Government Ministry, raising serious questions about his abuse of council processes. He also has a well-documented history of manipulating council procedures and bullying of colleagues, including physical fights with former Mayor Hebert Gomba, but has escaped previous investigations.
Earlier efforts to investigate his conduct and ensure that he is held accountable for any wrongdoing led to his resignation. While Promotions have been handed out freely, based on loyalty to Chisango rather than merit or performance, this particular illegal appointment has been used to further his own interests and those of his cronies.
The looting of City of Harare resources has been massive, with millions of dollars siphoned off through dubious deals and fraudulent activities in City Parking, Harare Quarry, HAMMAS, and Rufaro Marketing.
The beleaguered City residents have been left with collapsed service delivery, which has left critical services like health, water, sewer, and refuse management in a state of emergency. Residents have long demanded accountability and development, but their cries have fallen on deaf ears. Corruption has eaten deep into the fabric of the City.
Meanwhile employees at the City of Harare have been subjected to unbearable working conditions, going for months without pay despite being overworked. They are equally not provided with safety clothing, putting their health and well-being at risk.
“Management enjoys lavish retreats in resort areas, reaping insane allowances while service delivery continues to deteriorate under the reign of Marara and Chisango. The once-thriving city is now on its knees, with critical services such water, and sanitation in a state of crisis, leaving residents at risk of typhoid and to suffer the consequences of this gross mismanagement.” – complained an outraged employee.