By Chigwede Waruma
Chitungwiza Municipality has pledged to institute reforms in the local authority’s system of governance that will guarantee a corruption-free and transparent system.
The Municipality has also vowed to pay workers on time starting January 2023. Previously, the workforce of CM has gone for months without pay, a development that has partly been attributed to lack of efficient service delivery as a result of lack of moral.
In a statement, Chitungwiza Acting Mayor Kiven Mutimbanyoka said employees will now receive their salaries on the 25th of each month.
“We are pleased to inform you that this year as Chitungwiza Municipality we are geared towards making a change.
“All salary arrears for five months from June to October 2022 are to be calculated in US dollars and locked using today’s prevailing rate.
“On clearing arrears, Council will pay the equivalent at the obtaining official rates on the day of paying,” reads the statement from the town’s first citizen.
Mutimbanyoka further said the council is ready to root out impartial recruitment procedures to improve efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery.
“All recruitment of employees from casuals to permanent positions will be conducted formally through application since councillors are not recruiting agencies.
“Successful candidates will be engaged on merit and errant employees will face disciplinary measures without fear or favour,” he said.
The Acting Mayor added that the council managed to pay salaries and bonuses using own resources. He has also urged employees to desist from corrupt tendencies.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works has given Chitungwiza Municipality the green light to recruit after the latter wrote to request permission to fill in some vacant posts.
The positions include those of a legal officer, security superintendent, officers in the security department and public relations assistants.
“Your minute on the request for authority to recruit for various posts is relevant. We are pleased to inform you that the honourable Minister has approved your request to recruit.
“You may thus proceed, making sure to follow the necessary recruitment procedures. It is envisaged that the recruitment will enhance service delivery in Chitungwiza,” wrote Acting Permanent Secretary for Local Government and Public Works, A. Takaendesa.
