Staff writer
Chipinge residents are calling on Local Government minister Daniel Garwe to launch an investigation over alleged corruption and mismanagement on Chipinge Rural District Council (CRDC).
This comes as the government is set to establish commissions of inquiry in Bulawayo, Victoria Falls and Gweru to investigate corruption and mismanagement in the local authorities.
In a letter dated 20 November 2025, residents are seeking the intervention of government to intervene in the ‘crisis ridden’ Chipinge Rural District Council following allegations that the local authority continues to disregard the Urban Councils Act.
“We are compelled to petition the government through the minister of Local Government (Daniel Garwe), which is the ministry empowered to hold accountable all local authorities at every level across the country.
“There are credible reports of irregularities in budget preparation and expenditure, including the allocation of funds without proper council approval. The CEO and Chairman are perceived to be running the council as a private enterprise, with little transparency or oversight.
“Council regulations have been repeatedly ignored, particularly those governing procurement, meeting procedures, and the rights of elected representatives to participate in decision making.
“These actions contravene the Urban Councils Act, the Rural District Councils Act, and the principles of good governance enshrined in Zimbabwe’s Constitution. The exclusion of duly elected councillors undermines democratic accountability and hampers the council’s ability to serve its constituents,” reads the letter.
The residents added that the minister needs to suspend those involved in corruption.
“There is a need for an immediate, independent investigation into the conduct of the CEO, the Council Chairman, and the alleged irregularities. We need them to be suspended pending the outcome of the investigation.
“We need assurance that all future council meetings are conducted in accordance with the law, with full participation of all elected councillors. Report of the findings and any remedial actions taken to be shared with the public and the affected councillors.
“There was no budget consultation, they imposed a budget without involving ward representatives. Unjustified rate increases while services remain absent. There is now dilapidated council infrastructure with offices at Rimbi and other sites are in poor repair.
“Council bars are falling apart with Checheche town now becoming the centre of corruption with roads, water, and clinics are non‑existent; development exists only on paper. There is stand‑number duplication where residents are embroiled in constant disputes over land allocation.
“There is poor service delivery in many wards across Chipinge district with no clean water, functional clinics and other basic amenities, yet we continue to pay rates in Chibuwe, Chipangayi, Checheche,” the letter reads.
No immediate response could be obtained from Chipinge Rural District Council.