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Residents Association says entire Harare Commission Must Go
SW Radio Africa
April 24, 2006

http://www.swradioafrica.com/news240406/HRPA240406.htm

The state controlled Herald newspaper has reported that the Anti-Corruption Commission is investigating the operations of the illegal Harare City Commission, headed by Sekesai Makwavarara, regarding corruption, mismanagement and flouting of laid-down procedures. The paper has been reporting her every move in what seems to be a campaign to destroy her, but the Combined Harare Residents Association chairman Barnabus Mangodza said The Herald is revealing nothing new. He said Sekesai is not the only corrupt government official and the entire Commission running the capital needs to be replaced by an accountable elected council.

Observers in Harare believe Makwavarara has either fallen out of favour with some top officials or become a liability. Makwavarara was once the darling of the same state paper now tarnishing her. The Herald ignored her excesses, corrupt tendencies and lack of accountability after minister Chombo appointed her to the illegal Harare Commission. She immediately took over a productive farm and was seen lounging there paying no attention to agriculture or the farm workers. Now a series of incidents showing her as a greedy official have been published by the Herald week after week.

Mangodza said none of this matters as far as the residents are concerned. They have been calling for fresh elections for a long time and this campaign against Makwavarara is the Commission's own internal problem. He said: "They should not just get rid of her and replace her with another illegal Commission, but remove the entire group and put in a democratically elected council that will be accountable to the residents."

The Herald said senior city officials were assisting the commission with investigations which were prompted by the recent Press reports about the alleged. Recently the commission was embarrassed by reports of a bid to purchase curtains and furniture for the mayoral mansion which cost Z$35 billion. Then they approved the sale of a Z$20 billion house in Highlands to Makwavarara for only Z$780 million. There are also reports that Makwavarara spent Z$175 million of the city's money on her groceries and allegations she abuses council vehicles, fuel and labour.

The Standard newspaper has reported that Makwavarara sought assistance from Grace Mugabe in an attempt to save her job. It quoted sources who said Makwavarara presented her side of the story to Grace Mugabe at State House two weeks ago. She wanted Mrs Mugabe to use her clout with the top man himself against growing opposition from Zanu-PF officials. It is not known whether Makwavarara received any guarantees or promises. But it may be too little too late since the paper believes the ruling party wants to dump her for a top party official, preferably a member of the politburo. Minister of Local Government Ignatius Chombo appointed Makwavarara and has supported her throughout despite intense pressure.

The Herald and other state papers are regularly used by those in power to tarnish the images of their political rivals. Makwavarara just happens to be the latest target.

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