MUTARE - Private drivers engaged by the government to provide transport services during the 2012 census period who have remained unpaid have taken their case to the lawyers for redress.

The 14 drivers who provided transport services to the CMED Private Limited between 18 and 27 August 2012 in Manicaland Province have not been paid $600 each for the services rendered.

Through their lawyer Passmore Nyakureba, the drivers said they had been promised a daily allowance of $50 for 12 days and they have not been paid to date.

Nyakureba confirmed he was handling the matter and had written a letter to the director general of the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (Zimstat) Dzinotyiweyi Mutasa.

In the letter which is in the Daily News’ possession Nyakureba said the 14 drivers had been engaged by Zimstat as private contract drivers attached to operation centres around Manicaland Province during census.

He said the concerned drivers among their duties were transporting census material, chauffer-driving supervisors and enumerators.

Nyakureba said numerous efforts have proved fruitless as he has advised that they no longer have anything to do with the hired private drivers as the programme has since been completed.

Zimstat director general Mutasa could not be reached for comment. - Sydney Saize