Chronicle Editor
Leonorah Ncube, in Victoria Falls
AS the City of Victoria Falls awaits its budget to be approved by Government, residents have said they expect the local authority to involve them in implementation of service delivery activities.
Speaking in an interview, Victoria Falls Combined Residents Association (VIFACORA) chairperson Mr Kelvin Moyo said residents expect improved service delivery in 2025.
He emphasised the need for closer collaboration between councillors, local authority management, and residents to achieve better outcomes for the resort city.
“As VIFACORA, we will continue participating in progressive meetings with the council and proffering solutions to address community challenges. We expect management and councillors to work together in collaboration, and councillors should maintain constant communication with the electorate by engaging residents on ongoing developments while providing regular feedback,” said Mr Moyo.
Concerns are often raised about office-bearers distancing themselves from the electorate after being ushered into office, only reconnecting during election time.
Mr Moyo urged councillors to familiarise themselves with the Urban Councils Act to ensure they make informed resolutions and effectively represent the interests of the residents who elected them.
He said that during the course of the year, the local authority should focus mainly on water and sewer reticulation, refuse collection, drainage, and other services.
The council submitted its US$22 million 2025 budget after revising it to include the 7 percent for sports facilities as directed by the Government.
Mr Moyo said residents were hopeful that their contributions during the budget-making process were considered in the financial statement.
“We hope that the council took into consideration the contributions made by residents. We always support a participatory approach where residents are given room to speak about the actual needs of the community, like water-logging and flooding in Mkhosana.
“The council management should guide councillors in coming up with a budget that includes the residents. Our wish is that they quickly address the issue of estimated water bills, which has been a persistent source of frustration for residents. We expect the perennial water problems plaguing the city to be addressed,” he said.
The city is already constructing underground and elevated water reservoirs in Mkhosana after investing US$4 million into the water, sanitation, and hygiene project.
Mr Moyo commended the local authority for its efficient refuse collection, which has helped keep the city in its pristine state.
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