By Centre News Hub
MASVINGO-The Auditor-General, Vimbai Chikwenhere, has raised concern over the sale of residential stands to seven City of Masvingo councillors, warning that thousands of dollars could be lost after the local authority failed to provide proof of payment during the 2025 audit.
In her report presented to Parliament on 26 June 2026, the AG said the council sold stands to seven councillors for a total of USD $94,001 during the year under review.
“However, there was no evidence that the councillors were making payments as there were no invoices, sale agreements, or accounts opened in the PROMUN system to facilitate their monthly instalments,” Chikwenhere said.
Breach of Circular 12/2020
According to the AG, this was contrary to the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works Circular No. 12/2020 on Councillors’ Allowances and Perks.
Paragraph 4.1 requires local authorities to offer stands to councillors on a _lease-with-option-to-purchase_ basis, with payments made in equal monthly instalments and completed before the end of the term of office.
The report recommended that Council comply with Circular No. 12 of 2020.
Council Responds
In its response, City of Masvingo management said offers of stands to councillors under Circular 12/2020 were done in line with council procedure, where stands are allocated on a “provisional” basis, and a sale is deemed to have materialised upon payment of the first deposit.
“However, in this case the councillors did not respond in time; hence the delays in creation of accounts in the PROMUN System and signing of sale agreements as observed by audit,” Council said.
“In future, Council will consider applying a different policy for councillors’ conditions-of-service stands since we appreciate that the chances of withdrawing the offers are limited. Accounts creation and signing of sale agreements will be done upon offer.”
Management added that it has engaged the respective councillors to submit payment plans to ensure the stands are fully paid up by the end of their term.
“The payment plans will provide a basis for opening of accounts and follow-up on payments.”
Residents React
Residents expressed concern over the issue, saying lack of transparency could erode public trust.
“Such issues may eventually leave us losing faith in duty bearers in the handling of financial matters,” said Anna Matopodzi from Rujeko B.
“We always emphasise transparency and accountability. Councillors get their service stands as required by policy, so they must pay in a transparent and proven manner. The funds can help in other service delivery requirements.”
Little Progress on 2024 Audit Issues
The Auditor-General also expressed discontent over the council’s slow pace in addressing findings from the 2024 audit report.
“Of the 15 findings I raised, 7 were addressed, 1 was partially addressed, and 7 were not addressed,” Chikwenhere said.
Issues addressed included service rebates for councillors, donations of drugs, and stands inventory.
Some of the unresolved issues included: Procurement of Prado VX-L: Vehicle purchased above ministerial approval without seeking condonation; Non-revenue water: Water losses remained high; and Overpayment for Lot 2 roads rehabilitation: Council failed to recover an overpayment of ZWL $2,561,445
