Our Welfare First, Residents, Service Delivery Comes Second

4th edition Indaba budget wasted….

By Shingirai Vambe

The 4th edition of the Councils Indaba, held at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair Grounds in Bulawayo, brought together over 2000 Councillors to discuss issues relating to their work and the areas they oversee and represent.

The conference, which came with a hefty price tag of over a million dollars, provided a platform for Councillors to engage with pertinent issues affecting their work and the communities they serve.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa officially opened the conference, urging Councillors to stand true to their call and represent the electorate who voted for them well.

He emphasized the importance of making consultations and giving feedback on council issues, saying, “As Councillors, you came from the people, you were elected by the people, you campaigned amongst the people, you promised liver to the people. You must show results, in your ward, their grievances and after every meeting give feedback.” The president’s address was met with a mixture of applause and skepticism, as Councillors were more focused on their welfare than their mandated duty.

The Councillors’ concerns about their welfare were palpable, and they blamed the Local Government Minister, Daniel Garwe, for not informing the president of their plight. The tension in the air was evident, and the president’s address was met with rebuff from some Councillors who felt that their concerns were being ignored. Garwe’s subsequent statement that there were “good tidings” from the government for the Councillors was met with celebration, but some ZANU PF Councillors expressed frustration, feeling that Garwe had thrown the president under the bus.

After the president had left, Garwe issued a statement announcing that there would be a circular issued soon to deal with the councillors’ financial grievances and welfare. The announcement was met with joy from the Councillors, who stood up and celebrated the news. However, the celebration was short-lived, as many questioned the government’s commitment to addressing the systemic issues plaguing local authorities in Zimbabwe.

Critics argue that Councillors have failed to effectively represent their constituents, allowing council officials to steal money and land using their designated offices at the expense of ratepayers. The abuse of ratepayers’ money has also been a major concern, with many questioning the accountability and transparency of local authorities. The Councillors’ failure to fulfill their mandate has led to a breakdown in trust between the public and local authorities.

The Minister of Local Government’s unilateral call for the ministry and government to take full control of rural and urban local authorities has sparked debate about the need for reform in Zimbabwe’s local government system. The minister’s move is seen as a response to the gross failure, high incompetence, and corruption cases rising within Zimbabwe’s local authorities. Many are calling for meaningful reforms to address the systemic issues plaguing local authorities, including corruption, lack of accountability, and transparency.

The Councils Indaba highlighted the challenges facing local authorities in Zimbabwe, including the welfare of Councillors, corruption, and accountability. While the government’s announcement of “good tidings” for Councillors may provide temporary relief, it remains to be seen whether meaningful reforms will be implemented to address the systemic issues plaguing local authorities in Zimbabwe.

The free vehicle duty to Councillors has sparked tension and controversy, with netizens claiming every citizen deserve free duty as the Councillors are elected individual, the mass remain taken advantage of, as Legislators are also given such packs same with Councillors, including residential stands, and elections becoming a feeding trough

The Councils Indaba: a platform for pertinent issues and unfulfilled promises said netizens on social media.

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