By Marshall Bwanya
Harare – Harare City Council’s (HCC) water scarcity woes continue to mount as water treatment chemicals supplier, Nanotech Water Solutions, prejudiced the local authority of US$816 000.
Nanotech Water Solutions was allocated US$1,1 million devolution funds disbursed by the Central Bank but only acquitted US$252 000 leaving US$816 000 deficit.
The ministry of local government has been demanding acquittals for the unaccounted US$816 000 since last October, but Nanotech Water Solutions has failed to provide them.
A letter dated October 2, 2023 from the ministry of local government to Harare town clerk, Hosiah Chisango, detailed that acquittals were supposed to be done within four days of receipt of the correspondence.
The letter further states that during the first quarter of 2023, HCC embarked on a project to generate chlorine dioxide on-site as an efficient powerful disinfection agent for sustainable potable water production at Morton Jaffray Water Treatment plant.
“To that effect, the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe disbursed US$1 100 000 in December 2022 to cover mobilisation, installation of equipment, supply, delivery and dosing of precursor chemicals for the 1st Phase of the project.
“This project is earmarked for funding under the Devolution portfolio and in this regard, the Ministry is requesting acquittals on how these funds were utilised.
“The submission of these documents should be no later than Friday 6 October 2023,” reads parts of the letter.
The matter has been referred to the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) amidst concerns of public funds misuse.
Harare has been experiencing serious water shortages, which have been compounded by the recent decommissioning of the Prince Edward water treatment plant.
A pricey water treatment method, with monthly expenses of almost US$3 million for both treatment and power, has exacerbated the chronic water shortage situation
Residents associations and other stakeholders have sharply criticized the Harare City Council’s (HCC) seeming indifference to the escalating water scarcity crisis, warning of a potential cholera and typhoid outbreak if urgent measures are not implemented to address the issue
According to documents privy to this publication, Nanotech has violated several laws, including the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Act, the Urban Councils Act, and exchange control regulations.
The company has failed to acquit receipts, fulfill contract obligations, and adhere to proper procurement procedures.
In July 2024, the HCC’s environmental management committee resolved to terminate Nanotech Water Solutions’ contract.
HCC’s audit committee subsequently recommended that the matter be referred to ZACC.
