PHILLIMON MHLANGA
The country’s power utility, ZESA Holdings, has begun disciplinary hearings for executives implicated in a forensic audit which exposed a series of scandals at the organisation. Business Times can report that the damning audit report will be tabled before Parliament soon.
Well-placed sources at the power utility told Business Times several executives at the holding company and its subsidiaries –Zimbabwe Power Company, ZETDC, Powertel and ZENT are heavily implicated in the report which exposed massive delinquency, abuse of office and corruption cases. It is understood that ZESA lost millions of dollars through delinquency and corruption.
PricewaterhouseCoopers Chartered Accountants at the behest of the auditor-general’s office conducted the forensic audit in 2018 on ZESA following financial and administration crisis that marred the power utility in the past few years. The crisis led to the suspension of more than 20 executives at the power utility to pave way for the audit.
Some, including former chief executive officer, Josh Chifamba had their contract not renewed. Those found guilty face arrest, sources told this publication.
Energy and Power Development minister, Fortune Chasi, confirmed the latest development to Business Times yesterday but refused to disclose the finer details.
“As you know the ZESA forensic audit report was concluded quite some time ago. One of the things that I specifically asked Zesa to attend to is ensuring that the report is followed through, key of which are the hearings that you speak of. Yes, the hearings have started,” Chasi told Business Times yesterday.
“I don’t know who has been called to the hearings as yet. But I am satisfied that the dictates of the forensic report are being followed through.”
“I am not able to help you with specific individuals and their charges. He confirmed that the hearings have commenced although he did not have information on who is presiding over.
“If I have that type of detail, then I will be interfering with the process. The hearings must go ahead; individuals concerned must be treated fairly in accordance with the law. I hope and trust that the conclusion on the hearings to the satisfaction of the public will be arrived at,” Chasi said.
“We are also going to table the audit report before Parliament in accordance with the law.”
Enquiries to Zesa spokesperson, Fullard Gwasira had not been responded to by the time of going to print last night.
