Story by Tamuka Charakupa
RURAL communities have been urged to utilise the existing village and ward development committees as vehicles to inform devolution programming.
This comes as local authorities across the country are currently conducting budget consultations which will inform service delivery and its allocated funds.
Hurungwe Rural District Council has not been spared in the process, with the majority commending government for rolling out the devolution programmes.
“Devolution has been a game changer for our community because it has reduced the funding burden which we shouldered through increased rates and licenses,” said a villager.
Another noted, “These consultations meetings are giving us the platform to be part and parcel of the budget formulation processes. The Second Republic has ushered in a new system of engagement hence ensuring that no one and no place in left behind in all developmental aspects.”
A call has since been made for local communities to utilise their village and ward development committees to complement the budget consultations.
“We have been conducting budget consultations this past week as Hurungwe Rural District Council attending to every corner of the district. We are however concerned with the low turnout of participants. Our people should utilise their village and ward development committees so that they agree on projects that they want to see implemented in their areas. This helps local authorities to respond to priority areas as opposed to the up-bottom approach to development. Within the context of devolution, it follows that the devolution funds allocated by the treasury annually (at least 5% of national revenue) should not address the national government’s priorities but finance the development priorities raised by communities through the WADCOS,” explained Hurungwe Rural District Council Chairperson, Mrs Mary Mliswa-Chikoka
WADCOs present a viable opportunity for organised citizen participation in devolution and inclusive development.
