Shungira, who initiated the selling of water to private companies in a bid to help council widen its revenue collection base, presented a mountain of a defence case to the disciplinary committee. Water was previously given free to companies such as Proton Bakeries before Shungira began charging for it.
He reportedly went on to seek authority from the Deputy Town Engineer, Mutambanengwe, to use the collected revenue to purchase necessary expendables at the water works. Authority was ‘granted’ and he proceeded to make the purchases.
“The new twist regarding the Shangira hearing was interesting. It remained to be seen if he would pay heavily for taking a positive initiative on behalf of the council at the height of an expendables procurement crises. The case could take some time to reach conclusion given the new Shangira defence and glaring loopholes in the council line of argument. However, this could be a test case for other dismissed workers yet to be given judgement,” said a senior management member.
Shangira and other accused six workers are appearing before a council disciplinary committee for allegedly fraudulently receipting water bought by Proton Bakeries from the council waterworks.
Post published in: Zimbabwe News