By Darlington Gatsi
A top Harare council official, Mathew Marara is earning a hefty US$12,000 a month while the local authority is failing to procure uniforms for its workers and poor service delivery is the order of the day.
This was revealed during the ongoing Commission of Inquiry which is investigating the operations of the Harare City Council since 2017 where Marara appeared on Tuesday.
Marara disclosed that his current salary is US$12,000 which is inclusive of benefits.
Marara, Human Capital Director at HCC, reportedly awarded himself the post of Executive Assistant to the Town Clerk under mysterious circumstances.
This was reportedly done with the approval of suspended Town Clerk Hosiah Chisango, devoid of the Ministry of Local Government’s nod.
This position came with lucrative benefits which Marara detailed to the Commission of Inquiry.
“My salary is currently is US$12,000 paid at interbank rate. It is inclusive of salary, allowances, motor benefits because I use my own vehicle,” said Marara.
The revelation came at a time when the City Council is struggling to procure uniforms for its workers as disclosed before the Commission.
HCC has also been struggling to procure basic essentials such as fuel to service its vehicles but has been paying Marara’s salary which amounts to US$144,000 per year.
Marara has been embroiled in controversy at the Harare City Council after receiving US$320,000 as compensation for a period that he was suspended due to corruption allegations.
This figure, previously revealed before retired Justice Cheda led the committee, raised eyebrows given the City of Harare is struggling to fulfil its mandate.
However, Mararara dismissed the amount as exaggerated, stating that he had not received the full amount.
“That is not correct. The figure that was signed for by the negotiating committee was US$131,000. They are still paying. So far I have received US$116,000,” he said.
Marara will continue his testimony on January 21 where he will further clarify his salary.
