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Fungai Lupande
Mashonaland Central Bureau
Bindura Municipality has significantly increased funding for gender-responsive programs and projects to build stronger
relationships with residents and enhance community engagement.
The council’s gender focal person, Mrs Fabila Gozho, emphasised the importance of improving trust between the council and
residents.
To address misconceptions and lack of understanding, the municipality has initiated awareness campaigns, customer
satisfaction surveys, and bulk messaging to ensure broad communication.
A budget committee made up of people with diverse skills has been established to facilitate inclusive decision-making.
“There is no trust between council and residents due to lack of understanding,” she said. “Residents have been refusing to sign
registers due to misconceptions, which has affected budget consultations and collection of data for gender-responsive
budgeting purposes,” she said.
The municipality’s budget for this year exceeded ZWL 144 billion, with allocations of ZWL 29 million for gender management
systems, ZWL 20 billion for mainstream programs such as water reticulation, and ZWL 2 billion for gender-specific
programming.
Furthermore, significant funds have been earmarked for gender programs, including campaigns against child marriage, a food
fair, and internal saving and lending projects in specific wards.
Mrs Gozho also highlighted the allocation of ZiG 1,3 million from devolution funds for the rehabilitation of Chipadze Stadium
to support urban sports teams, including budgets for female soccer and netball.
With these strategic investments, Bindura Municipality aims to foster positive change and gender equality within the
community.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter