Local authorities women’s quota to add burden on ratepayers

SHANNISE DZOBO

MASVINGO – In as much as the move to increase women representation at decision making levels is laudable the 30% local authorities’ quota will not come cheap for the residents and ratepayers.

The electoral act on proportional representation in the local authorities has added a 30% on every local authority for women to get better representation in their respective areas.

Director of Masvingo United Residence and Ratepayers Alliance (MURRA) director, Arnold Muguti said that the move is going to be a huge burden to the ratepayers because it has increased the number of representatives who require allowances and other perks from already financially constrained councils.

“This women quota in the local authorities is definitely going to be a burden to the ratepayers because it has increased the number of representatives who require allowances and other perks from already overburdened councils.

“Our hope is that the councillors will add value to council operations, otherwise it’s a very costly exercise,” said Muguti.

Another Harare based social scientist, Shelfer Phiri weighed and said the idea is very noble as it is a step towards empowering women.

“Women have been marginalized for a very long time and they have not been taking up contested political posts due to harassment by their male counterparts.

“The abuse of female politicians is rampant across the political divide and this women quota policy is commendable as it affords women to get into leadership minus the abuse they normally endure.

“It is our hope that the women selected will not only warm the chairs, but make the women’s voice heard and service delivery improves as this mainly affects women for example lack of water, poor rubbish collection and lack of schools,” said Phiri.

Masvingo City Council has three more councillors added namely, Time Alaica, Esther Zishiri both from CCC and Sheron Tsitsi Murombedzi of Zanu PF, Masvingo Rural District Council added 11 more on top of 35 councilors that were elected.

Bikita Rural District which has 32 elected councilors added 10 more councilors from the women’s quota, 4 from CCC and 6 from Zanu PF to make a total of 42 councilors, Chiredzi Rural District Council also has 32 and added 12 more councilors, all from Zanu PF to make them 44.

Chivi RDC has 32 elected councilors and 10 more women were added 7 from Zanu PF and 3 from CCC and Gutu RDC has 41 elected councilors and 12 more were added, 8 from Zanu PF and 4 from CCC to make them 53.

Mwenezi RDC has 18 elected councilors and 5 more women were added to make them 23 where 4 are from Zanu PF and one from CCC and Zaka RDC has 34 elected councilors and 10 more councilors were added to make them 44 with 7 from Zanu PF and three from CCC.

30% Local Authority Women Quota Results 2023 Harmonised Elections Masvingo Province.