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Farirai Machivenyika
Senior Reporter
MEMBERS of the public have hailed Parliament for engaging them in the budget-making process, saying this inspires confidence in national programmes.
Parliament, through the Portfolio Committee on Budget, Finance and Investment Promotion, carried out public hearings last week, including in remote parts of the country, to gather their views and areas they wanted prioritised in the 2026 national budget set to be presented to Parliament by Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister, Professor Mthuli Ncube, next month.
Ward 8 Councillor in Mudzi West Constituency, Cde Chipo Mutero said the public consultations were the first she had witnessed.
“This is the first time such an event has been held in our constituency and I would like to thank President Mnangagwa and Parliament for that.
“My wish is that the Ministry of Finance takes into account our views when preparing the budget,” she said.
Speaking at the same event, Ms Elizabeth Chinyowa echoed similar sentiments, saying such consultations were necessary in crafting Government policy.
“I would like to thank the President for allowing such interactions, which give us a platform to air our views.
“This is important in ensuring that we have people-centred policies,” she said.
Mr Rogers Mwinga from Mbire said it was important that Treasury include the public’s input in crafting the budget.
“The most important thing now is for the Ministry of Finance to take into account our views and suggestions to ensure that people retain confidence in such initiatives,” he said.
The major outcomes from the public hearings were calls for Government to increase funding for health, education and the provision of social services to disadvantaged communities.
Meanwhile, Government was urged to increase the Constituency Development Fund from the current US$50 000 to at least US$200 000 to enable MPs complete projects that directly benefit communities.
The CDF is allocated to individual MPs in the National Assembly to carry out development projects in their constituencies following consultations with the electorate.
Mr Benson Sibanda from Mahusekwa said the CDF had a higher impact on communities since it addressed issues peculiar to the constituencies.
“The CDF has higher chances of making an impact on people’s livelihoods as it responds to issues at the grassroots level.
“Some of the challenges we are facing can be easily addressed if we had more resources channelled through the CDF,” he said.
Following the public hearings, the Committee will compile a report that will be tabled before Parliament.
Online Reporter