Chitungwiza Mayor Faces Backlash Over US$147,000 Mayoral Vehicle

Chitungwiza Mayor Rosaria Mangoma and her senior management team have come under fire after the council approved the purchase of a luxury mayoral vehicle reportedly costing US$147,000, raising eyebrows amid a cash-strapped municipality grappling with unpaid staff, deteriorating roads, and declining service delivery.

The issue erupted during a full council meeting at Chitungwiza Municipality chambers, where Ward 16 councillor Micheal Mukazhi criticised the mayor’s office for what he described as “silence” on residents’ pressing concerns.

Mukazhi questioned why the council had opted for a top-of-the-range vehicle while basic municipal services remain under strain and workers continue to go unpaid. Said Mukazhi:

“There is an issue that has been raised with great concern from the residents and stakeholders for the past weeks in Chitungwiza, and I was thinking that in your announcements or town clerk, we can hear an update on the mayor’s vehicle.

“This is a public institution; we expect announcements and accountability; we are very worried about the quietness on your side, Mayor.

“When residents ask questions, councillors must respond with one voice and not whispers.”

In response, Mangoma said the vehicle was procured in full compliance with due process. She added:

“Also, all processes were done correctly, starting fromthe  GPS committee, the resolution committee and the mayor’s vehicle has Cabinet authority.”

Mangoma added that the city’s public relations officer, Tafadzwa Kachiko, would provide further information to residents.

Meanwhile, residents of Chitungwiza continue to voice frustration over overflowing sewage, mounting heaps of rubbish, potholed roads, and the council’s ongoing failure to ensure access to clean tap water.

More: NewsDay

Related:

Chitungwiza Residents Sue Council Over Decades-Long Sewage Crisis Chitungwiza Council Resumes Seke Outfall Sewer Rehabilitation Amid Residents’ Lawsuit