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Municipal Reporter
CITY of Mutare has bemoaned the low turnout of residents for the 2022 Budget consultation and formulation process, saying it defeats the purpose of a people-driven budget.
The local authority’s finance director, Mr Blessing Chafesuka, told The Manica Post recently that owing to poor attendance in some wards, the meetings could not be held.
“The 2022 budget consultation and formulation process is ongoing, but the challenge we are facing is that of low turnout by the residents. Although SMEs did not turn up well, we managed to hold the meeting with those who were in attendance. It was a similar situation with schools. In about three wards, the meetings failed to take off because the attendance was just too low.
“We want to avoid a situation whereby residents will cry foul that we did not consult widely or considered their views in coming up with the budget,” said Mr Chafesuka.
He called on residents to respond positively and in their numbers to such initiatives as the local authority values their input.
Said Mr Chafesuka: “As key stakeholders, residents play a key role in the whole process of budget formulation.”
He encouraged residents to alternatively use Council’s chatbot and other available electronic platforms to participate if they cannot make it to the meetings’ venues.
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