By Kudakwashe Pembere
THE Pomonagate scandal has scaled new heights with Local Government and Public Works Minister, July Moyo ordering the City of Harare to pay over USD 780 000 to the controversial company Geonix BV.
In a letter to the Acting Town Clerk Engineer P.M. Moyo which is circulating on social media, the Local Government Minister directed the local authority to pay up for the month of May.
“I have taken note of the contents of the letter dated 10 June 2022 in which you state that you are unable to pay the invoice raised by GEO Pomona in the amount of USD$ 780, 890.00 for the month of May,” Minister Moyo said.
With the City of Harare Mayor Councillor Jacob Mafume refusing to pay for the Pomona project which was agreed on in his absence, Minister Moyo in the letter said failure to pay was a sign of disrespect to Government which he said is the guarantor to the project.
“May I remind you that the action not to pay has serious consequences, not only with respect to Council’s obligations, but also on Government who is the Guarantor to the project.
“Failure to pay will result in accumulation of debt through interest, arrears, penalties and fees due and payable. The amount will become unsustainable should this stance be sustained beyond the May payment,” he said.
The Local Government Minister demanded assurance that the City Fathers would pay up the USD 780 890.
“We request a response from yourselves that you will honour the bill for May as well as the other coming months as they fall due. It is thus our expectation that the operations at Pomona should continue uninterrupted and Council should abide by the contractual terms provided for in the existing contract,” he said.
Harare North MP Hon. Allan Rusty Markham raised the red flag over this deal he deemed shoddy as part of the agreement entailed devolution funds meant for Harare City would be diverted to pay Geonix BV.
Also concerning about this deal was Geonix BV’s local representative, Delish Nguwaya who was involved in the Draxgate scandal.
