MARTIN MAWAYA
GWERU Mayor, Cllr Martin Chivhoko has called on residents to go beyond being passive recipients of council services and actively participate in shaping the city’s policies, particularly the upcoming budget, in what analysts say is a rare push for grassroots accountability in urban governance.
Speaking during the 717th Ordinary Council Meeting, Chivhoko highlighted improvements in health services, water supply, and infrastructure upgrades, but said the success of these initiatives depended on “collective ownership” by the community.
He urged residents to participate in budget consultation meetings, describing them as the backbone of transparent financial management.
“For the city to thrive, we must move away from the culture where council works in isolation. Every household should have a voice in how resources are allocated,” Chivhoko said.
Observers note that while Zimbabwe’s urban councils often highlight service delivery progress, the few openly challenge residents to take part in budget planning, a process frequently criticized for being symbolic and poorly attended.
Civic leaders say this new tone could mark a shift toward participatory governance if residents respond.
Chivhoko also pointed to infrastructure projects, including the refurbishment of the Civic Centre and cemeteries, and ongoing improvements in water supply, as evidence of prudent resource use.
But he warned that without residents’ cooperation in maintaining cleanliness, conserving water, and demanding accountability, the gains could quickly unravel.
“This is not just about beautification, it’s about protecting public health, attracting investment, and ensuring intergenerational sustainability,” he said.
Council insiders told The Midweek Watch that Gweru plans to prioritize infrastructure development and social amenities in the 2026 budget, with consultations expected to begin in coming weeks.
Civil society groups welcomed the mayor’s stance but demanded concrete action.
“Consultations must be more than a box-ticking exercise,” said Gweru Residents and Ratepayers Association executive director Cornillia Selipiwe.
“The mayor is right, residents must own their city’s development. But council must also show that people’s inputs truly shape the budget.”
If implemented earnestly, analysts say Chivhoko’s participatory push could set Gweru apart from other cities, where mistrust between councils and residents often fuels disputes over rates and service failures.
