Farirai Machivenyika
Senior Reporter
SOCIAL welfare issues dominated the first day of public consultations on the 2027 National Budget on Monday, with residents in Harare calling for increased Government funding for health, education and other social services.
The Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Budget, Finance and Investment Promotion is conducting the public hearings, divided into four teams to consult across the country throughout the week.
At a meeting held at Dzivarasekwa 3 Community Hall, Mrs Josephine Banda called on Government to increase National Social Security Authority (NSSA) pension payouts for widows.
“Most of us widows have to take daily medication for diseases like hypertension and diabetes, and the US$20 we are getting isn’t enough,” she said.
“I, therefore, call on Government to increase it to US$100.”
Another resident, Ms Irene Mparutsa, said Government should introduce monthly payouts for senior citizens.
“Government should give monthly payouts to senior citizens like what other countries do,” she said.
Mr Raymond Muzariri called for improved remuneration for civil servants and members of the defence forces.
He also called on Government to provide resources to modernise the defence forces, including acquiring drones and other high-tech equipment used in modern warfare.
A community care worker, Mr Isaac Nematsanga, called for Government funding to remunerate community care workers, citing their role in implementing various Government programmes at community level.
“As CCWs (community care workers), we play an important role in raising awareness of various Government programmes, be it identifying vulnerable groups that need assistance, obtaining birth certificates, among others.
“These people play an important role but are not being paid, so I urge you to reconsider that position and pay us,” he said.
At Mai Musodzi Hall in Mbare, Mr Thomas Tambudze said health and education were critical areas requiring increased funding.
“More funding should be provided for education so that we sustain our position as the most educated country in Africa.
“Resources should also be provided to procure medicines and equipment for our public hospitals, including infrastructure.
“We should strive to have a health facility within a 10km radius,” he said.
In a statement, chairman of the Portfolio Committee on Budget, Finance and Investment Promotion Cde Lincoln Dhliwayo said the public hearings were a constitutional requirement and urged citizens to participate.
“Section 141 of the Constitution mandates Parliament to involve the public in its legislative role and other processes.
“For that reason, we have started our public consultation on the 2027 national budget, and we are inviting Zimbabweans from all walks of life to come and attend the public consultations.
“We need your input into the 2027 national budget. So, I invite you all Zimbabweans to check from time to time on our Parliament website for the dates, venue and time when these public consultations will be conducted in your respective districts.
“I therefore invite you to come in your numbers so that we may shape our 2027 national Budget, which will inform our development plans in the year 2027,” Cde Dhliwayo said.
