By Sukuoluhle Ndlovu
Masvingo – Government has urged councils to consult residents on how to utilize devolution funds meant to develop communities.
Speaking at a meeting attended by the business community and local authorities in Masvingo, the Minister of State for Masvingo province Ezra Chadzamira urged local authorities to use the devolutions funds wisely.
The Masvingo City Council was allocated Rtgs$7 463 789 from the National Budget.
“The local authorities have to consult and prioritise local residents’ needs in deciding developmental projects to fund with the devolution funds. All councils must desist from pursuing their own interests at the expense of the local populations,” said Chadzamira.
He added that councils must consult the residents on what to prioritise.
“It is of vital importance that all councils consult the residents and the ratepayers on the projects that they want the council to go on with and the first projects that should be prioritised. The money we give the councils for devolution is not for them but for the development of the community. The money should not be used to pursue their own interests like building their administration blocks, paying workers salaries or buying cars. Before any budget is made, the public must be consulted and must reach a consensus,” he said.
He also urged councils to work on one project at a time rather than implementing another project before completing another.
“Local authorities must make sure they finish all their projects, as government, we do not want to see unfinished buildings everywhere.”
Political affiliations must not affect the development of the provincial affairs.
The Masvingo United Residents and Ratepayers Association (MURRA) spokesperson Godfrey Mtimba shared the same sentiments agreeing that council should indeed consult it’s ratepayers.
“It is of great importance that our council seeks views from residents not only on devolution funds but entire issues of service delivery. Residents have the right to participate in the governance of their affairs hence as MURRA, we have always been clamoring for citizen participation in local governance.
So for devolution funds, it is the citizens who are knowledgeable of service delivery shortfalls that need to be addressed urgently by devolution funds hence it is critical to consult them,” he said.
