By Nyasha Chuma
Harare – LEADING civil engineering firm Bitumen World (Private) Limited has thrown Bikita South parliamentarian and failed rhumba musician Energy Mutodi under the bus after his seemingly careless sentiments on Finance ministry permanent Secretary George Guvamatanga.
Bitumen issued a statement distancing itself from recent bribery allegations originated by Mutodi making far fetched allegations against Guvamatanga.
Mutodi aired his sentiments on his social media platform X (formerly Twitter) under the handle @energymutodi.
In his post, Mutodi claimed that a company contracted for road works was allegedly asked to pay US$200,000 for every US$2,000,000 disbursed to it, in apparent reference to bribe payments purportedly solicited by Guvamatanga.
The post further alleged that the company had raised these concerns with Members of Parliament’s Budget Committee.
In a statement undersigned by Andre Zietsman Chief Executive Officer of Bitumen World, the company firmly denied any involvement in such activities.
“Bitumen World (Private) Limited trading as ‘Bitumen’ would like to dissociate itself from the post made by Dr Energy Mutodi@energymutodi to the extent that the contents thereof relate to it. We categorically state that we have not received any solicitations from Mr George Guvamatanga,” read the statement.
The company emphasized its ongoing commitment to transparency and to working collaboratively with the Government of Zimbabwe on infrastructure projects.
“Bitumen World remains firmly committed to supporting the Government of Zimbabwe’s infrastructure development agenda. The company continues to work with relevant ministries and agencies to deliver quality, sustainable projects that strengthen the national road network and contribute to the country’s long-term economic growth,” the statement added.
This outburst led to Mutodi’s dismissal as chairman of parliament portfolio for finance and budget.
Bitumen World is among Zimbabwe’s most prominent road construction companies and has been a key player in various government led infrastructure initiatives.
Mutodi has in the past also been sacked as deputy minister of Information and Publicity.
