Harare City Council Faces Corruption Allegations Over Disappearing Tuckshop Fees

Harare City Council’s revenue collection practices are under scrutiny after revelations of collecting only $100 from tuckshop fees in six months. The figures have sparked outrage and suspicion.

This shocking disclosure emerged during a Commission of Inquiry examining the municipality’s operations since 2017. The commission, chaired by retired Justice Maphios Cheda, exposed glaring revenue collection inefficiencies.

Between April and September 2024, despite a significant increase in tuckshops in residential areas, the council recorded this meager sum. The disparity between operations and collections is stark.

Alfred Guni, the acting revenue collection manager, admitted to the inquiry that the collection figure was alarmingly low. His remarks underscored severe systemic failures.

Guni attributed the shortfall to revenue collection officers tasked with gathering fees from tuckshops in residential neighborhoods. Their inefficiency points to significant gaps in oversight.

He described the $100 figure as indicative of a broader issue within the council. Harare’s municipal revenue system appears porous, allowing for suspected corruption and mismanagement.

Evidence presented suggested that certain individuals are exploiting the council’s weak controls. These individuals allegedly collaborate with officials to divert license fees for personal gain.

Guni confirmed that corrupt practices were contributing to the city’s revenue leakages. He detailed the council’s inability to account for much-needed funds meant for public services.

The inquiry also highlighted the minimal contribution of shop licenses to Harare’s overall revenue. This remains puzzling, given the explosion of informal marketplaces across the city.

According to Guni, the council does not own the tuckshops but licenses privately run businesses. However, it owns commercial properties that are available for public rental.

The licensing process, though structured, has failed to generate meaningful revenue. Guni emphasized that the $100 collected represented a tiny fraction of the expected income.

As the capital transforms into an informal trading hub, the council’s inefficiencies grow more glaring. Residents question the governance structures overseeing these economic activities.

Allegations of senior officials working with politically connected individuals to siphon funds have intensified. The lack of accountability at Town House has fueled public frustration.

Critics argue that without substantial reforms, the council will continue to lose revenue. These funds could otherwise be allocated to improving Harare’s crumbling infrastructure.

The ongoing commission is expected to recommend measures to address corruption and inefficiency. Zimbabweans are closely monitoring its findings as trust in municipal governance erodes.

This revelation exposes the magnitude of the challenges facing Harare City Council. For residents, it underscores the cost of corruption and its impact on everyday life.