Chronicle EditorNyore Madzianike Mutare Bureau
Mutare mayor Councillor Tatenda Nhamarare has challenged young people to actively participate in issues of local governance, saying they are key in transforming the nation. Speaking at the junior councillors’ annual conference being held at Marymount Teachers’ College in Mutare last week, Cllr Nhamarare said children’s participation in civic matters would help in their career development.
The junior councillors’ annual conference is running under the theme: Mainstreaming the participation of children and youth with disabilities into local governance.
“The coming in of junior councillors from around the country is a welcome development for us as senior councillors because local governance issues are key in transforming the nation,” said Cllr Nhamarare.
“A nation without a proper local government structure is bound to collapse. Contributions from junior councillors will help us in addressing some of the challenges like the issue of basic service delivery that residents of every city want.”
Cllr Nhamarare said participation of young people in local governance would assist them in developing their different careers.
He also said the interaction between senior and junior councillors would help the young ones to understand how local authorities were being run.
“It is a welcome development for us to be given such a platform to host these councillors,” said Cllr Nhamarare.
“It will encourage other students in our city to actively participate in civic matters in the city.”
Mutare junior mayor and Chikanga Ward 19 Councillor Mazvita Mufundirwa, applauded her seniors for helping them in various platforms of local governance.
“As one of the leaders of children, I know what the children are facing,” he said. “I will take it up with my senior councillors and they will help us in implementing whatever decisions we make.”
Junior chairperson of Sanyati Rural District Council Tahela Elliot said they were expecting to bring to an end cases of school drop-outs.
Elliot, who is also the Sanyati Rural District Ward Two junior councillor, said they were expecting to earn more support from their seniors.
The annual conference, which is being hosted by the Local Government, Public Works and National Housing ministry, will see junior councillors discuss issues to do with climate change, child marriages and substance abuse.
It will culminate in the election of a national assembly.
Online Reporter