Residents demand accountability in the usage of public funds

GROUP discussions from a meeting conducted at the Chitungwiza Publicity Association established that public funds — in the context of Zimbabwe which is money that comes from government often through taxes, devolution funds, Zimbabwe National Roads Administration, rates and other levies which are used to help the public through goods and services — are not being accounted for properly.

The participants expressed concern over the inconsistencies in service delivery such as water supply, sanitation services, refuse collection, street light provision, road servicing, ambulances, housing and development of other relevant entertainment as well as income-generating service infrastructure, which are all supposed to be addressed by the Chitungwiza Town Council budget and in particular, public funds.

In her opening remarks, Chitungwiza Residents Trust (Chitrest) chairperson Alice Kuvheya urged residents to take part in pushing for a transparent system that allows for accountability in usage of public funds. Chitrest found it a worthy cause to consult the public as part of their citizen rights.

Chitungwiza is failing to account for residential stands as much as it is failing to allocate funds to critical services, and as such, a forensic investigation is long overdue.

No man in his right senses fails to tell who stays at his house. Councillor Dingo of ward 23 and Councillor Majoni of ward 8 were part of the conversation, where residents demanded that use of public funds should be guided by a framework with well set points of reference for revenue collection, investment and disbursement.

It also emerged from the audience that Chitungwiza Town Council’s institutional capacity should be scrutinised while an audit policy framework is put in place.

Answerability is key. Chitungwiza can apply for borrowing powers before procuring equipment or implementing activities suggested by a budget.

Activities such as improved service delivery in some wards and the erection of a precast wall around St Mary’s Clinic in Chitungwiza using the community development funds are commendable.

Zimbabwe National Editors Forum national co-ordinatior Njabulo Ncube, whose institution organised the meeting in conjunction with Chitrest, challenged media practitioners to spearhead in-depth stories which in most cases dependable while they avoid top down communication which dictates false conscience and make belief worlds in contrast to reality.

Chitungwiza residents should brace for more such conversations.