Govt reviews councillors’ allowances

GOVERNMENT has reviewed councillors’ allowances structure from the previous one where councillors were receiving an equivalent of 50 percent of sitting allowances paid to Members of Parliament.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works Mr Zvinechimwe Churu in a circular, said the new allowances are with effect from 1 August. The new structure will see mayors and chairpersons getting $138 575, deputy mayors and deputy chairpersons; $127 027, committee chairpersons; $120 098 while councillors will get $115 479.

“However, councils are advised that payment of these allowance is subject to performance of the local authority. Please note that this circular rescinds all previous communication relating to this subject matter,” reads part of the circular.

The Government recently approved the pegging of travel and subsistence allowances for councillors in foreign currency. However, it was directed that the councillors will receive the allowances in local currency using the obtaining official foreign currency exchange rate.

Last year the ministry approved that the councillors get free parking space and a grave during their tenure in office. On the purchasing of electronic equipment, the ministry also said if a council wishes to do that it should be done with the approval of the ministry.