Chitungwiza told to cut on workshops, clear arrears

Blessings Chidakwa Municipal Reporter

Chitungwiza residents have welcomed a Government directive ordering their local authority to suspend holding trainings and workshops outside its jurisdiction, while saving the money to clear a salary backlog.

Unnecessary council generated meetings were also put on hold.

Chitungwiza Progressive Residents Association secretary-general, Mr Gift Kurupati, hailed the move.

“The idea is good, we must promote local hospitality. It will also help save money for service delivery.”

Chitungwiza and Manyame Rural Residents Association acting director Mr Brighton Kanyama said the decision was welcome. “We need service delivery first in our area. Workshops should be held in places like Nyamutamba Hotel, Margolis etc.

“It is bad for them to visit places like Kariba all the time as if we do not have nice places around. They should use cheap facilities so that we save ratepayers money.”

Harare Provincial Development Coordinator Mr Tafadzwa Muguti issued the directive on the holding of meetings and workshops in a letter dated November 19, 2021 addressed to the acting Chitungwiza town clerk.

“The local authority is directed to hold all its trainings and workshops locally as outside excursions have drained the finances of the local authority,” said Mr Muguti.

Mr Muguti said the Urban Councils Association of Zimbabwe (UCAZ) annual general meeting was the only one exempted from the directive.