By Sukuoluhle Ndlovu
Masvingo– City Council Director of Engineering Services, Tawanda Gozo has been suspended for a period of six months for poor service delivery, Bustop TV has learnt.
Gozo is facing allegations of incompetence which has led to poor service in the city.
The water crisis in Masvingo has continued to worsen despite heavy rains which have filled the major water source, Lake Mutirikwi to 60% capacity. Since December last year, residents are receiving dirty tap water which was said to be as a result of poor pipe maintenance at the Bushmead water works.
The Engineer received a letter addressed to him by the Town Clerk Engineer, Edward Mukaratirwa.
In the letter, Mukaratirwa said, ‘Please be advised l have suspended you from office of Director of Engineering services with immediate effect following deterioration in the quantity and quality of water being supplied to the city from early December 2020 to date,” he noted.
The letter also highlighted that his suspension is according is legal according to the councils act.
“The suspension is in terms of section 140 (3) (a) and section 140 (7) of the Urban Councils Act Chapter 29:15. Your suspension is valid for a period of six months or until the council has made a decision on the case, whichever comes the sooner. During this suspension period, you will not be receiving your salary or benefits,” wrote Mukaratirwa.
Gozo is expected by the Council to cooperate with ongoing investigations.
“Can you therefore do hand over and take over with the Operations Engineer to ensure that there is continuity of service during that you will be on suspension.”
Gozo has in the past survived many similar attempts of his suspension during the reign of Mayor Chakabuda and Hubert Fidze.
