EDWIN MOYO
GWERU-Gweru residents have been implored to prioritize budget monitoring processes both at the local and national levels as such processes help them make informed decisions as far as public finances, better services and development are concerned.
Speaking to this publication, Zimbabwe Coalition on Debt and Development, (ZIMCODD) Programme Lead for Trade Justice, Mucha Midzi said it was unfortunate that marginalised groups particularly women and youths are facing barriers like structural exclusion and lack of information in budgetary processes.
Midzi added that some of the grey areas in terms of information were the need for residents to be well acquainted with public finance systems and constitutionalism.
“We are specifically looking at budget monitoring because we want to equip residents, we want residents to be involved in the budget process so that their voices are heard, meaningful participation is important
“As Zimcodd we believe that budgets are the backbone of the nation or local authority and nothing can be done without it. So, for us to achieve effective service delivery and development, we want the utilization of public funds to be a shared burden or responsibility between office bearers and citizens” she added.
National Association of Non-Governmental Organisation, Midlands Coordinator, Titus Mangoma said platforms to teach residents about budget processes were a stepping-stop to addressing key challenges affecting communities.
” We entrust the capacity of empowerment being done by ZIMCODD is meant to refresh the minds of citizens so that we address real issues. We need to improve services for the benefit of our people.
” So as residents, we also need to scrutinize critical information and documents which speak to the realities of development. That way we encourage participation and involvement of everyone,” he added.
A Ward 9 resident, John Mukaro said budgets were important in planning for the betterment of the livelihoods.
