Harare's US$500k Monthly Salary Scandal: Why Residents Want City Bosses' Pay Slashed

Residents have called for immediate salary reductions for Harare City Council executives, labelling current remuneration packages as “abnormal” and unsustainable.

This follows revelations that the municipality spends US$500,000 monthly on executive salaries while basic services crumble.

A Commission of Inquiry uncovered that Town Clerk Hosiah Chisango earned US$ 27,000 monthly, potentially reaching US$ 30,000 with perks, while junior executives took home US$15,000 – all without Local Government Board approval.

Harare Residents Trust coordinator Precious Shumba blasted the arrangement: “They’re arrogant, incompetent and parasitic. These salaries bear no relation to their failed service delivery record.”

The demand comes as Harare battles cholera outbreaks, sewage overflows and uncollected garbage, with US$4.5 million in city funds unaccounted for.