….ZNOART national chairman, Shalvar Chikomba
Staff Writer
The Zimbabwe National Organization of Associations and Residents Trust (ZNOART) has raised red flag over the move by Chitungwiza Municipality to purchase a top of range mayoral vehicle worth $US 147 000 at a time when service delivery in the town is at its lowest web.
In a statement, ZNOART national chairman, Shalvar Chikomba said the the timing of the vehicle purchase was unacceptable.
Read the statement:
“The Zimbabwe National Organisation of Associations and Residents Trust (ZNOART) expresses deep concern and outrage over reports that Chitungwiza Municipality procured a top-of-the-range mayoral vehicle valued at approximately US$147 000, at a time when the town is facing severe service delivery challenges.
“Chitungwiza residents are grappling with collapsed road infrastructure riddled with potholes.Erratic water supply, poor refuse collection, sewer bursts and sanitation crises, unpaid municipal workers and general financial instability within Council.
“In such circumstances, the purchase of a luxury executive vehicle reflects misplaced priorities, insensitivity, and poor governance judgment,” added the statement.
Chikomba said while the mayoral office deserves official tools of trade, it was unacceptable to purchase such a top of range vehicle at a time when council was struggling to give residents sound service delivery.
“While ZNOART acknowledges that the office of the Mayor is entitled to official tools of trade, including transport, the model, cost, and timing of this acquisition are unacceptable in a municipality that is virtually operating at zero service delivery levels.
“Leadership must reflect the realities of the people it serves. When residents are walking in sewage, driving on cratered roads, and council workers remain unpaid, purchasing a US$147 000 vehicle sends a message of detachment and misplaced priorities.
Due process alone does not justify poor judgment. Legality must never be confused with morality or prudence. The real question is whether this decision demonstrates servant leadership and responsible stewardship of public funds.
“ZNOART further notes with concern the reported reluctance to openly address residents’ concerns in council meetings. Transparency is not optional — it is a constitutional obligation under principles of public accountability and good governance,”said Chikomba.
ZNOART issued Chitungwiza Municipality with four demands.
“ZNOART demands full public disclosure of the procurement process, including tender documents, evaluation reports, funding source, and Cabinet authority cited.
A cost-benefit justification explaining why this specific vehicle model was deemed necessary, Immediate publication of the municipality’s financial position, including outstanding salaries and service delivery backlogs. Adoption of a Public Expenditure Priority Framework that prioritises service delivery before executive luxuries.
“ZNOART calls upon the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works and the Office of the Auditor-General to review this procurement in light of the municipality’s financial distress.
Public office is a position of trust — not privilege.
“Chitungwiza residents deserve roads before luxury, water before prestige, and service before status.
ZNOART stands firmly with the residents of Chitungwiza and will continue to demand accountability, transparency, and people-centred governance across all local authorities in Zimbabwe.”
Chitungwiza Municipality recently procured the vehicle for mayor , Rosaria Mangoma, prompting residents and civic organisations to question the timing, cost and priorities of the municipality.