Harare. Zimbabwe. (News of The South) – Newly sworn in Harare Mayor, Herbet Gomba called on government to extend to local authorities funds that are due to them in order to achieve their “Transformation Agenda.”
Gomba said this while delivering his first speech as Harare Mayor at the swearing in of Councillors in Harare this afternoon.
“I implore on Government to pay through the National Budget, the five percebt Constitutional
allocation to local authorities,” Gomba said
He added that Councils should be allowed the latitude to reconnect with the outside world through exchanges, visits and bilateral relations.
“This can only be achieved if we are allowed
to travel for the purposes of engagement and mobilisation of financial support and
resources.
” We are the arm of Government closest to the people,” he added.
Gomba highlighted a litany of problems being handed over to him as he assumes office part of which was a red flag that government is not funding Councils.
“Allow me to itemise problems being faced by the City of Harare.
These are water shortages, roads in need of resealing/ reconstructions, debts ballooning due to unemployment, mushika-shika, congestion, uncontrolled vending, illegal occupation
of Council land, lack of financial support from Central Government; just to mention a
few,” said Gomba.
He said their “Transformation Agenda” is hinged on the need to increase revenue and contain costs.
Gomba called upon council workers to recommit themselves to the “Transformation Agenda” to realise the intended benefits.
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