Online Reporter
Tendai Gukutikwa
Post Reporter
THE Mutare City Council, in partnership with various residents’ associations, has launched a 10-day door-to-door budget consultation exercise aimed at improving public participation in the city’s budgeting process.
The initiative, which began last Friday after the training of enumerators, marked the first time the city has adopted a grassroots approach to budget consultations.
In an interview on the sidelines of a budget consultation meeting held on Friday, the city’s town clerk, Mr Blessing Chafesuka, said the door-to-door programme was designed to reach more residents and ensure that their voices directly shape the city’s 2026 budget.
“We are targeting at least 20 000 residents to have their say in our budget process this year. In the past, participation has been very low, with only about 4 000 to 5 000 residents contributing last year. Last year was actually a big increase from previous years. We want to change that by bringing the consultation to people’s doorsteps,” said Mr Chafesuka.
He said the city realised that many residents had missed previous consultations, unaware of consultation meetings, or unsure of how to contribute effectively to council planning.
“This time we are taking the process to them. Our goal is to ensure that everyone including the elderly, women, youth, and people with disabilities has an opportunity to speak out on the services and priorities they want the city to focus on. A participatory budget reflects the real needs of our communities,” he said.
Enumerators conducting the door-to-door visits will be easily identifiable, wearing vests labelled United Mutare Residents and Ratepayers Trust (UMRRT).
Mr Chafesuka said although UMRRT had taken the lead in the consultations, the enumerators were drawn from a range of organisations and community structures.
“The team is not composed of UMRRT members only. We have trained and selected enumerators from different sectors and organisations to ensure fairness, inclusivity, and representation. They are using electronic data collection forms to record feedback in real time,” he explained.
Mr Chafesuka urged residents to welcome the enumerators and participate without fear, assuring them that their views would be treated with confidentiality and respect.
“This process belongs to the people of Mutare. As the city, we encourage residents to speak freely and honestly when approached. The information collected will help council understand community priorities and allocate resources more effectively,” he said.
He added that the new approach would also enhance transparency and accountability in council operations, helping bridge the gap between the local authority and ratepayers.
“We want to build trust. When people see their contributions reflected in council programmes, they begin to appreciate the importance of paying rates and supporting development projects,” said Mr Chafesuka.
The consultations will run for ten days across all wards in the city, after which the council will consolidate feedback and present a draft budget that reflects the priorities expressed by residents.
Mr Chafesuka said Mutare City Council remains committed to inclusivity and participatory governance, adding that no one should be left behind in shaping the city’s future.
