By Christopher Kambande/ Munashe Machekera
Chitungwiza Municipality’s Audit and Risk Committee said today that it upholds a zero-tolerance stance against corruption during an engagement with stakeholders in the town, most of whom were resident associations.
Speaking during the meeting, Audit Manager Mr. Admire Chipunza said: “Our theme as the Audit Committee is Zero Tolerance to Corruption, Theft, and Embezzlement. We cannot win this fight alone, but by working with you, we can succeed. Corruption is robbing the funds that should have been used for service delivery. The money goes to other pockets at the expense of service delivery,”
“How do we come in? That’s exactly where we fit in to plug out all cash leakages. We decided to raise awareness so that you know there is an office that deals with those issues. Those who lose their money or come across illegal activities are free to approach our office.”
Mr. Chipunza said the council has established a Risk Committee that reports to the Audit and Risk Committee and an Integrity Committee that works with the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Committee.
“We are in the process of coming up with a Monitoring and Evaluation Committee that will monitor the implementation of council resolutions. Are the resolutions seeing the lights of the day?”
“As an audit committee, we have an open door policy. You’re free to approach our office at any time with issues that need investigation. We are in the midst of creating a toll-free line to enable anonymous tipping. We are guided by audit ethics.”
Audit Committee Chairperson Councillor Musa Makweza echoed that whistle-blowers will be protected.
“Many people are afraid of victimisation. If you bring your issue to the committee, your identity will not be disclosed,” he said.
The stakeholder welcomed today’s engagement.
They had the opportunity to seek clarity on several issues and air their concerns.
“If people are united, there won’t be gossiping. In the past, some things happened without the involvement of the stakeholders. So I see this as something that will make us move together,” said Residents Association of Chitungwiza Trust organising secretary Albert Gwatidzo Mangwende.
