Chronicle Editor
Lovemore Zigara, Midlands Bureau
ONLY two people yesterday turned up for the 2018 pre-national budget consultation meeting in Gweru, which was held at council theatre by the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Finance and Economic Development.
Although committee members arrived before 9am, the venue was virtually empty with only the team of six legislators and 10 Parliament staff, journalists and just two members of the public.
After waiting for nearly an hour, the committee chairperson, Cde David Chapfika decided to proceed with the meeting at 9.50am. He called on the public to take budget consultations seriously.
“I think people don’t take these budget consultations seriously. They think somebody else will attend such meetings on their behalf. People are busy running around with their own errands and this could be the challenge,” he said.
“When the budget is eventually presented in Parliament, they cry foul saying they were not consulted yet this is the opportunity for them to have an input into the budget. It is unfortunate that people underestimate the effectiveness of their contributions.”
One of the participants at the meeting, Mr Davison Muduba, who was representing the Zimbabwe Development Democracy Trust said there was a need for Parliament to consider holding such meetings in high density suburbs.
“There are many people in the high density suburbs and since the response to such meetings here in town is very poor, I suggest that there be a change of venue in such consultations and try areas such as Mkoba (High Density Suburb) where there many people. Some would want to come but they would not be having transport money,” said Mr Muduba.
He urged Government to set aside funds for patients with diseases such as cancer to be treated outside the country.
“We have many people who require specialist treatment outside the country for diseases such as cancer. Many of these people cannot afford the costs hence the need for Government to assist. I therefore, suggest that we set aside a fund to cater for such people,” said Mr Muduba.
The other participant, Mr Rangarirai Hove, said Government ministries should set up with interactive websites with information to help people seeking information on Government programmes.
The Parliamentary Portfolio Committee is holding consultation meetings whose input will be considered when Finance and Economic Development Minister Patrick Chinamasa draws up the 2018 national budget.
Yesterday the committee held another consultation meeting in Zvishavane and will hold similar meetings in Masvingo and other provinces. — @lavuzigara1
Bongani Ndlovu