“We have been receiving US$10 a month as a salary since December and we don’t know how they think we survive,” said one worker who refused to be named.
The Town Clerk, Obert Muzawazi confirmed that the council had not been paying the workers, but promised to address the matter urgently.
The Zimbabwe Hotel and Catering Workers Union (ZHCWU) Eastern Region Officer, Eliah Mwandipe also confirmed the workers were not being paid proper salaries.
“The Liquor department owes its workers a total of US$ 32 000 backdated to February 2009,”said Mwandipe.
Meanwhile, the city of Mutare has taken over the operations of its cash strapped subsidiary Pungwe Breweries as part of its income-generating project.
The council has also re-engaged 72 workers who were fired when the council closed 12 bars following the demotion of its Board of Directors who were accused of corruption.
The council has since roped in Muzavazi as the chairman of new Board of Directors.
Pungwe Breweries is a commercial liquor enterprise and it owns 17 beerhalls around the city.
Muzavazi confirmed they had taken over the operations of the breweries, adding they had revamped five of the 12 re-opened outlets while seven were under renovations.
He said the reinstated workers will be thoroughly vetted as part of the council’s exercise.
“Most employees were recruited through the back door and there is need to screen them. Those without necessary requirements will be allocated general work at the council,” said Muzavazi.
Post published in: Politics