WATCH LIVE: SHOCKING: Auditor General Gives Mutare City A Qualified Opinion

The City of Mutare’s 2024 Annual Report reveals a municipality facing a significant "Liquidity Crisis," where ambitious visions of becoming a digital, "world-class city" are overshadowed by severe financial and operational struggles. While the city holds billions in land and infrastructure assets, it is currently "cash-poor," with expenses more than double its income. This has resulted in a staggering annual deficit of ZWG 4.21 billion, as the costs for basic services like fuel and water chemicals rise much faster than the city can collect revenue.

A major concern highlighted by the Auditor General is a "Qualified Opinion," which serves as a warning flag regarding the city's transparency. The audit found that the city cannot accurately value its infrastructure, lacks paperwork for millions in revenue, and is not transparent about the current market value of its properties. For residents, this financial instability translates into a "Yellow Flag" for accountability, suggesting that the city’s true net worth may be much lower than reported due to aging or unverified assets.

On the ground, these financial gaps manifest as a service delivery crisis that directly impacts public safety and health:

Water Waste: 64% of treated water is lost to leaks and illegal connections before it can ever be billed, representing a massive waste of resources.

Public Safety: Nearly half of the city’s streetlights and tower lights are non-functional, increasing the risk of crime.

Health & Housing: A massive housing backlog of 29,000 people remains unaddressed, and hospital births have plummeted by 90% because residents can no longer afford the steep clinic fees.

Ultimately, the report shows a widening gap between high-level leadership goals and the daily reality for citizens. For those without access to advanced technology, the most pressing issues remain the failing "bread-and-butter" infrastructure—specifically the lack of affordable healthcare, dark streets, and a broken water distribution system.

At the helm is the Town Clerk, Mr. Kapuya Blessing Chafesuka, who oversees the entire executive team. The management is divided into specialized departments, including:

Infrastructure & Finance: Led by Eng. Maxwell Kenith (Engineering & Technical Services) and Reuben Guni (Acting Finance Director).

Social & Community Services: Managed by Eunice Miyambuki (Acting Health Services) and Emma Mandiziba (Housing & Community Services).

Planning & Administration: Directed by Tonderai B. Sango (Acting Spatial Planning) and Takunda V. Nyamandi (Acting Chamber Secretary).