Harare — HARARE City councillors have turned down a proposal to outsource the repair and redecoration of Town House, arguing that council should use its own builders and painters.

Councillors are of the view that the money earmarked for the refurbishment by private companies should instead be expended on service delivery.

The city fathers also want the city architect and council builders to design and construct a ramp to enable people with disabilities to access offices at Town House.

Council had been asked to recommend Pentagon Construction, which presented a fee of US$6 500 for the repair and redecoration of Town House.

The award of a contract to Cascon Building Contractors for the construction of a ramp at a cost of US$46 960 was not tabled for approval but the councillors debated the matter.

However, city fathers felt council should assign its own builders and painters to carry out the job.

Councillor Sulas Machetu said council should use its own workforce to do the work.

"Why should we give out the contract when we have our own painters and builders?

"I am against the resolution of awarding such contracts. My priority is not to paint Town House, but to remove garbage," he said.

Clr Tungamirai Madzokere asked council to defer the resolution until all other options had been exhausted.

Clr Thomas Muzuva, who said the money that council intended to use for the refurbishment should be directed towards refuse collection, supported him.

Councillors also questioned why they were being asked to recommend Pentagon Construction yet there was a Harare company that had offered to do the job on more favourable terms.

The company, Autolink, which sells cars, had asked council for an extension of its stand in exchange for the repair and redecoration of Town House. The company was also going to do the job every three years or whenever necessary.

Mayor Mr Muchadeyi Masunda consented to the sentiments of the councillors and deferred passing of the resolution until council had considered the proposal by Autolink and Mr Bosha.

Council was told that the National Museums and Monuments Board had approved construction of the ramp since Town House is regarded as a national monument.

The issue of the repainting of Town House has been on the cards for a very long time with council approving that work be commenced on a number of occasions but nothing has been done up to now.