Mutare and Masvingo councils collaborate in capacity building workshop to enhance public financial management

Diana Nherera

Officials from Mutare and Masvingo councils are attending a joint capacity building workshop facilitated by Germany’s main development agency, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), in Chiredzi.

City of Masvingo’s spokesperson Ms Ashleigh Jinjika, said the workshop is part of the Good Governance in Local Authorities (GGLA) project aimed at strengthening the councils’ public financial management systems.

“It is envisaged that this will enhance transparency, accountability and efficient use of resources,” she said.

“The workshop is focusing on offering councillors and non-financial managers basic skills and understanding of budgeting, financial reporting, internal controls and citizen engagement in fiscal matters.

“The workshop, which is primarily participatory, is also providing a platform for peer learning and sharing of best practices in local government finance.”

Ms Jinjika said public financial management is one of the critical pillars in improving service delivery, identified by the local authorities, which GIZ, through the GGLA project, will be facilitating.

In his opening remarks, City of Masvingo deputy mayor Councillor Daniel Mberikunashe expressed appreciation for the initiative, which supports improved service delivery and good governance.