Legislators in Zimbabwe are pushing for more funding and resources for councillors so that they can effectively carry out their responsibilities.
The legislators raised concern that councillors receive ‘very’ little financial and resources support from the government yet are the closest authorities to the people and play a pivotal role in addressing their concerns.
Matabeleland South Proportional Representation MP, Mail Nkomo, said it is important for the government to render adequate assistance to the councillors.
“Councillors are chosen by people in various wards and have a great job to do in our constituencies. They get very little allowances and they do not have transport to run around doing their work,” Nkomo said.
“Some female councillors encounter challenges in their line of duty due to lack of vehicles. I implore the Government to assist councillors in making sure they get everything they need in their line of duty.”
Hurungwe East MP Chenjerai Kangausaru, bemoaned that lack of adequate resources for the councillors hinders them from fulfilling their duties and responsibilities
“These elected officials who are the closest representatives to the people at the grassroots level are facing significant challenges that hinder their ability to effectively serve their communities,” he said.
“Firstly, councillors often lack the financial resources and logistical support necessary to carry out their duties. These include limited access to office space, and no access at all to transportation, communication tools, and tools of trade which significantly impede the ability to engage its constituency, conduct oversight functions, and deliver essential services.”
Kangausaru said the decision-making authority of councillors is often undermined by centralised control of authority while lack of autonomy restricts councils from addressing local needs and implementing solutions tailor-made to their community-specific context.
“Councillors ought to be given a remuneration that sustains them on day-to-day living expenses. It is not a secret that the currency market is shaking, every day there is a new rate on the Stock Exchange market and this is greatly affecting our councillors,” Kangausaru said.
“We do acknowledge their sitting allowances but it is not enough. To avoid the temptation of corruption when executing their duties, salary, and remuneration needs to be reasonable enough to cater to their living expenses.”
The MP called upon the government to acknowledge the critical role councillors play in local governance and development.
“Secondly, this House calls upon the Government to take concrete steps to address the marginalisation of our councillors including allocating adequate resources to support their work and also even non-monetary incentives, strictly decision-making authority and autonomy, ensuring the safety and security of our councillors regardless of their political affiliation or background,” Kangausaru said.
