By 
Shumirai Nyamadzawo
Chipinge residents have invited the Zimbabwe Ant-Corruption Commission to investigate the Town Council over the reports that it spent US$ 17,000 on the construction of a cemetery toilet.
“As residents, we have been left with no choice except to demand an explanation of the circumstances around the construction of this toilet. Something is not clear, why should a basic toilet cost that much? We are sick and tired of the corruption that takes place at the council,” said Rodrick Mlambo.
Acting secretary James Matemera confirmed that the toilet was built for $ 17,000 at the interbank rate.
“The construction of the toilet was done board and all procurement procedures were properly followed,” he said.
Chipinge Residents Chairperson Avrante Mahlupeko said, “The construction of a US$17 000 toilet by the city council is a sign of corruption by the councillors and the Acting Town Secretary. A toilet which is estimated at US$ 4,000 or less. The residents deserve better services and accountability from public officer bearers,” he said.
“The residents deserve better than thieves making decisions impacting town and its hardworking vulnerable citizens. The councillors were also involved and have proven that they are not qualified, and don’t have the honesty, transparency, and integrity to perform their duties. We are calling for an audit by the Auditor General and they have already submitted a report to ZACC,” he said.
“The tender was submitted to Gwenzi Hardware this year in March on fix and supply. The cemetery area is not serviced so the works included water pipeline construction of about 3km to the toilet. There was a septic tank and soak-away construction and an office was built as part of the toilet,” said Matemera.
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