Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA) has fired four directors for alleged incompetence.

THE Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA) has fired four directors for alleged incompetence.

Engineer Israel Rwodzi, Water Supply Operations, Mr Honest Murindagomo, Finance, Eng Bongile Ndiweni, Projects and Planning and Eng Samuel Sunguro, Groundwater and Drilling Services were relieved of their duties after a Zinwa board meeting last week.

The directors, sources alleged, failed to put in place mechanisms to ensure that the cash strapped water authority, which has not paid its workers in eight months, recovers over $140 million it is owed by clients who include local authorities and farmers.

“At the same time, the Zinwa debt has also ballooned to about $50 million under the watch of the directors,” said sources at the water authority.

Chief executive officer Dr Jefter Sakupwanya, in a statement yesterday, confirmed the axing of the four directors.

He said Zinwa has embarked on restructuring programme as it seeks to enhance operational efficiency and reposition itself for the full execution of its mandate as spelt out in the Zinwa and Water Acts.

Dr Sakupwanya said: “Pursuant to this new thrust and focus, the structure of the organisation has been affected. As such the Zinwa board, on its November 3 meeting, resolved to send the directorate on leave pending termination of employment contracts. The leave is with effect from November 8 (Tuesday.)”

He said Eng Albert Mare, who is head raw water, will be acting director responsible for Water Supply Operations.

Dr Sakupwanya said Eng Taurai Maurukira (Designs and Construction Manager) has been appointed acting director Engineering and Hydrological Services.

“Mr Wirimai Rutsito, the head office management accountant has been appointed acting finance director,” he said.

Dr Sakupwanya said Zinwa’s strategic thrust is anchored on the need to ensure water availability for all citizens, resource mobilisation for the completion of water infrastructure projects, improved visibility, collection of outstanding debts, drought mitigation and the maintenance, rehabilitation and expansion of existing infrastructure.

Patrick Chitumba, source-chronicle