CHRA makes submissions to Parliament

Statements — By on February 24, 2010 11:28 am

CHRA makes its submissions to Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Local Government

23 February 2010

The Combined Harare Residents Association (CHRA) made its submissions to the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Local Government at the public hearing that was held by the Committee at the Parliament of Zimbabwe Chambers. The public hearing was held on the 19th of February 2009.

The CHRA Chairperson, Mr. Simbarashe Moyo, lamented the continued collapse in the state of service delivery; a situation that has seen most shopping centers and street corners in high density areas being littered with piles of uncollected refuse, potholed roads as well as dysfunctional street lights.

His sentiments were echoed by Evernice Munando, the Programmes Chairperson of the Association who said that the level of unwillingness by the City of Harare to pay heed to the residents’ plight is shocking. She said that residents have, on many occasions, raised their concerns with Council especially on issues of street lighting and refuse collection but nothing has been done.

Other issues that were raised by residents include the inconsistent billing system of the City of Harare, Council’s intimidation of residents through final demands on outstanding bills, continued harassment of street vendors as well as the poor quality of water being supplied to residents.

Residents also made it clear that they were not amused by the heavy interference of the Minister of Local Government in the operations of the City of Harare. In its submissions, CHRA made the following recommendations;

  • The City of Harare should come up with innovative ways of generating revenue so as to boost its resource base.
  • The Council should prioritize service delivery instead of channeling large amounts of the ratepayers’ money towards salaries and perks for senior Council officials
  • The Private Sector has a role to play in municipal service delivery. CHRA encourages the private sector to actively contribute to the improvement of service delivery through either donations or forging partnerships with Council so as to feed into the attainment of Council’s strategic objectives in service delivery. This is also part of the private sector’s giving back to the community.
  • Government departments that owe Council in unpaid rates should pay up for the services that they received as this will also go a long way in reviving Council’s revenue base.
  • Civil Society remains critical in the monitoring of Council operations as well as playing the role of advocacy to build bridges between residents and Council.
  • There is a need to bridge relations between Council and residents through participatory budgeting and consultation in decision making.

CHRA made it clear before the Portfolio Committee that there can be no payment where there is no exchange of value. Residents cannot pay for non-existent services. The Association also emphasized the need for policy reform and the constitutionalisation of the Local Government framework.

CHRA will continue to advocate for good, transparent and accountable local governance as well as lobby for quality and affordable municipal services. CHRA

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