Sources said workers, who are currently getting Z$5 billon as basic salary, have taken the matter to court after the local authority indicated an increase to Z$7 billion. Workers are demanding that the lowest worker be paid at least Z$250 billon for the lowest paid worker.
A Z$7 billion salary is not enough to buy 750 ml of cooking oil, while a single room in the high density area of Mbizo is being let for Rand 50 a month.
Acting City Treasure, Alfred Zimngwe, said the council was broke and could not afford a huge salary hike. A number of key officials have left the council over salary disputes and it is currently running without a Director of Health or a Chamber. A number of both skilled and unskilled workers continue to leave council owing to poor salaries, while service delivery has virtually collapsed especially with regards to water and sewage reticulation.