Harare Paid US$7.4 Million for Roads That Don’t Exist: Audit Unearths Shocking Ghost Projects

Revealed by an internal audit (image source)

A shocking 2019 internal audit revealed that the City of Harare spent an estimated US$7.4 million on rehabilitating 43 roads, none of which exist. Physical inspections found no evidence of construction. One case highlighted Fossil Contracting, awarded US$1.7 million for work on Kelvin South Road, which remains untouched to date. City officials admitted to systemic monitoring failures; acting Finance Director Godfrey Kusangaya testified that the council lacked proper oversight systems for contract execution.

This scandal underscores repeated concerns around Harare’s financial governance. Earlier reports revealed city land designated for roads, schools, and wetlands was being secretly sold to private developers. For residents, the implications are grave: city roads remain underdeveloped and traffic-choked, while funds intended for public goods appear diverted or mismanaged. Civic trust erodes when technical planning meets reality—or the lack thereof.

A Government-appointed Commission of Inquiry has been tasked with holding contractors and officials accountable, but residents and watchdog groups are demanding public disclosure of findings and restitution plans.

Analysts say Harare’s council must rebuild oversight by instituting real-time contract tracking, independent audits, and community forums to monitor infrastructure rollouts.