By Tapiwa Chirume

The Harare Metropolitan Residents Forum (HAMREF) today proposed the formation of an independent Commission to monitor Government efforts in the implementation of devolution, owing to delays witnessed in implementation as well as lack of a defined framework that stakeholders can use for engaging government in the devolution process, adding that government should prioritise the specific requirements of persons with disabilities in governance and development plans.

Addressing a Press Conference at the Media Centre today on their expectations on devolution implementation the Harare Metropolitan Residents Forum (HAMREF) Chairperson Marvellous Khumalo said an independent Commission should be formulated to supervise government efforts in the implementation of devolution process and also providing a clear framework for engaging national government and other relevant stakeholders.

Khumalo said, “We note with concern the delays involved in the devolution process and a lack of a clear framework for framework for engaging national government and other stakeholders. We propose an independent structure in the form of a National Taskforce or Commission, to drive devolution implementation. This will also track developments and monitor government efforts for successful devolution implementation.”

The HAMREF Director urged government to prioritise the specific requirements of persons with disabilities in the devolution process as  enshrined in the Constitution, noting that inclusion was central to the operationalization of devolution. He said, “Civil Society Organisations ( CSOs)  share the view that  government should prioritise the specific requirements of persons with disabilities in development plans and overall governance.”

The Harare Metropolitan Residents Forum (HAMREF) is a coalition of seven residents associations whose mandate is to work for the effective participation of residents in the actualization of devolution in the Harare Metropolitan Province.