Local authorities urged to prioritise essential services

ZIMBABWE Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) has urged local authorities to prioritise funding of essential services that include provision of quality infrastructure, water and sanitation and reduce the amount spent on salaries.

In a statement, ZLHR said the proposed budget for Harare showed that a huge amount was directed towards salaries and allowances for council employees at the expense of citizens.

“Local authorities should strictly adhere to Ministerial Circular No.4 of 2013 and ensure that salaries and allowances do not exceed 30 percent of all revenue,” said ZLHR.

ZLHR said the high wage bill made it impossible for council to adequately maintain infrastructure, resulting in the spread of preventable diseases caused by poor sanitation and mismanagement of waste.

“Local authorities have a constitutional mandate, as one of the three tiers of the Government to safeguard the public interest and work towards the progressive realisation of all constitutionally social and economic rights,” ZLHR said.

ZLHR noticed that the failure by City of Harare to stick to the constitution clearly showed lack of commitment by council officials to prioritise funding of essential services that included provision of quality education, water and sanitation.

“The city must improve the quality of service delivery to all residents and ratepayers by providing safe, clean and portable water, timeous refuse collection, street lighting and proper road networks,” said the organisation.