Uproar over Audit Committee Report

By Lovemore Meya

There was uproar and chaos at the Municipality of Chitungwiza last Wednesday where Councillors refused to adopt an unseen audit committee report citing dereliction of duty by management and hiding “something”.

This follows an inquiry by Ward 10 Councillor Peter Matiringe during the 499th Ordinary full Council meeting as to why Councillors were requested to adopt an audit committee report which was not availed to them.

“I want to seek guidance from the Acting Town Clerk. When it is requested that we adopt the audit committees’ monthly report (June) which we are not privy to, is there a tangible reason why it is not shared with us?” asked Cllr Matiringe.

“We are asked to adopt it, but it is hidden and we are not even aware of its contents.”
In response, Acting Town Clerk, Mr Japson Nemuseso prophesed ignorance stating that he was in the dark regarding to what was being asked.

“My view is that, we are debating issues that emanated from audit and the resolutions coming from the committee. I am not sure as to what exactly is not being submitted for full Council.

“Every committee’s minutes are submitted to the full Council for approval, that is my knowledge. So far, I am not aware if there is anything being hidden. However, what I know is that when audit is sitting and doing its deliberations, there are some people who are expected to attend, but not every person, even the Town Clerk or Mayor are not allowed.”

This response triggered commottion amongst Councillors, with Ward 13 Cllr Gylord Chenjeya raising a point of order requesting to know whether the audit committee produced a report as was asked by Cllr Matiringe or not.

Ward 24 Cllr Obert Matsika joined the debate saying, “According to the Urban Councils Act (Section 98.2), the functions of the audit committee are that it shall report its proceedings to the Council.

“We are the Council, not to any other person. Every committee should report to us as the higher body, if not here, where else could that be? Simple. We are the boses.”

In a state of disbelief, Ward 16 Cllr Michael Mukashi also weighed in, “I have issues with item 20,2. I thought as Councillors we have a right to know anything that happens especially theft issues. This is the reason why such issues are not being addressed properly since they require adoption here in Council.

“We are the highest decision-making body and there is nothing secrete about us. It is unhealthy to pick such issues in the corridors. We do not get any report concerning these isues and now that it has been highlighted by audit, it will end there. I thought that the Town Clerk should be giving us reports that there was theft of fuel valued at so much,” he charged.

The Audit Committee chairperson, Cllr Musa Makweza also aired his concerns.

“It has been three weeks since we requested for a special meeting to deliberate on these issues before the convening of the full Council meeting. Even the Acting Chamber Secretary, (Ms Mupukuta) if she was here would attest to the same effect. However, they (management) are being evasive regarding this issue.”