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Leonard Ncube in Victoria Falls
VICTORIA Falls residents have accused the city council’s buildings inspector of corruption and gross abuse of office for allegedly demanding US$10 from property developers for him to inspect their buildings.

Mr Caesar Moyo is a council employee whose job is to inspect buildings.

He joined the local authority about six years ago and residents say he has been charging property developers for inspection despite the fact that he is paid a salary by council to do the job.

A building is inspected at land clearing and plan drawing stage, foundation digging, footing, box building, slab, window level, ring beam, wall plate and roof level.

Mr Moyo allegedly demands US$10 at each stage and no receipt is issued.

He is the only council inspector and inspects all new properties under construction in the city.

The accusations featured prominently in the council’s budget consultation meetings last year and again this year.

The residents have called on the city fathers to investigate the issue.

“We are charged US$10 at every stage of inspection and failure to pay means your property is not inspected or does not pass the inspection. This has been happening for a long time and no receipt is given,” said a resident during a meeting in Mkhosana Ward 11 on Sunday.

Residents also accused council management of delays in inspecting and approving buildings thereby creating a breeding ground for corruption.

The called on the local authority to employ more inspectors.

There are fears that the majority of properties in the city could be substandard as residents allege that Mr Moyo sometimes does not physically inspect the structures.

“Many houses could be substandard because the inspection process is fraudulent. Some are not even inspected at all,” said another resident.

Responding to the residents’ complaints, assistant town engineer Mr Nathan Ngwenya warned residents against paying money to individuals.

“What we are getting is that the person manipulates you to pay for the inspection yet he is employed fulltime by council to do the job. All money paid to council is receipted,” said Mr Ngwenya.

Ward 11 councillor Edmore Zhou said it was difficult to address the issue without tangible evidence.

“This issue is not new. We once sat as council but it is difficult to arrest or fire him because there is no evidence. You should refuse to pay and if possible, let’s set a trap,” said Cllr Zhou.

The alleged corruption reportedly started during the period the country was experiencing fuel shortages a few years ago and residents would opt to contribute money for the inspector to visit their properties as the council had no fuel.

Contacted for comment, Mr Moyo said it was not true that he was demanding money to inspect buildings.

“It is not true, I have never demanded payment. We do inspections on Wednesdays and sometimes we have no transport. If we don’t go, they complain again and sometimes there are situations when those who want their projects attended to volunteer to facilitate our movement,” he said. –@ncubeleon