adminFarirai Machivenyika-Senior Reporter
Clear consultation mechanisms on how devolution funds should be used are needed to ensure the money achieves its intended benefits, parliamentarians have noted.
This came out during a workshop on devolution implementation organised by Silveira House for MPs in the Portfolio Committee on Local Government, Public Works, National Housing and Social Amenities and officials from the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works.
The devolution policy was enacted in the new Constitution and requires Government to set aside at least five percent of the national Budget for disbursement to provincial councils and downstream local authorities, the urban and rural district councils.
In his remarks, Mberengwa East representative Cde Marko Raidza said some of the projects being implemented by councils did not have community input.
“While the approach should be bottom up, it seems the projects being implemented are being adopted elsewhere and we only see them when they are being implemented,” he said.
“Even as MPs, we are not being consulted, so it would be better if there was a clear procedure of how these consultations on projects are done.”
Mutoko South legislator Cde Herbert Shumbamhini said it was questionable when most communities were carrying out similar projects, adding that such a coincidence could be an indication that decisions on which projects to carry out were being made for the benefit of individuals.
“Government should legislate a clear way of how these consultations are done to ensure that communities’ concerns are taken on board,” said Cde Shumbamhini.
Chinhoyi town clerk, Mr Maxwell Kaitano said most local authorities were relying on structures they use for budget consultations to determine the use of devolution funds.
“In most instances, local authorities do not carry out adequate consultations, but simply rely on input they get when compiling their budgets,” he said.
“There is a lack of understanding of what devolution is all about and how consultations should be done.”
Chief Director in the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works Mr Christopher Shumba said Government was reviewing laws related to local governance to ensure they comply with the Constitution on matters related to devolution.
The devolution policy was adopted to implement high impact development projects in local communities, including provision of clean water, sanitation and health and educational facilities.
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