By Staff Reporter
HARARE – Civil engineering giant Bitumen World (Pvt) Ltd has distanced itself from allegations made by Bikita South MP Dr. Energy Mutodi, who claimed that the company was being extorted by Finance Ministry Permanent Secretary George Guvamatanga in exchange for payments on government road projects.
In a public statement released on Tuesday, Bitumen World said it “categorically dissociates” itself from the social media post made by Mutodi on X (formerly Twitter), under the handle @energymutodi, in which the MP alleged that
“Bitumen which was contracted to do roads has been asked to pay US$200,000 by George for every US$2,000,000 weekly payments he authorises them to receive and they have made several complaints to Members of the Budget Committee at Parliament.”
Responding to the claims, Bitumen World said it has never received any solicitation or demand for payments from Guvamatanga or any government official.
“We categorically state that we have not received any solicitations from Mr George Guvamatanga,” the company said.
Bitumen added that it remains focused on supporting the government’s infrastructure development agenda and continues to collaborate with 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, signed by Chief Executive Officer Andre Zietsman, comes amid ongoing fallout from Mutodi’s explosive remarks in Parliament last week, where he accused senior Treasury officials of corruption in handling payments to contractors.
Mutodi, who was subsequently removed as Chairperson of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Budget and Finance, has maintained his stance despite not providing evidence to substantiate his claims.
Neither Guvamatanga nor the Ministry of Finance has publicly responded to the allegations, but Bitumen World’s move marks the first direct rebuttal from a company named in Mutodi’s corruption claims.
