Nhau Mangirazi
Ward councilors in Hurungwe have been challenged to work closely with communities as they seek to achieve development of wards and district at large.
The networking is key for social cohesion that can foster development involving women and youths in attaining development goals of food security, access to health, clean and portable water and clean energy among other rights.
The call was made by key presenters during a two-day Ward Profiling training workshop in Hurungwe last week.
The training was facilitated by Silveria House where programs manager Alois Madhekeni called on policymakers to closely work with different committees to achieve development.
‘‘As a rural community, we must be creative to mobilize resources for Ward development functioning. We understand that there are restrictive resources on all councils across the country due to economic crunch, but let us be supportive of each other. As policymakers, learn to work with key members of the community to develop the ward faster,’’ he said.
Ministry of local government official Anna Takaendesa also called for peace between councillors and traditional leadership to achieve positive change in communities.
‘‘Council business needs good working relationship with traditional leadership as they command respect in communities. We need each other for the sake of development,’’ she added.
Takaendesa explained that Ward profiling is aimed as a marketing strategy for the council, district, province and nation at large.
‘‘Every Ward has its unique environmental, cultural heritage, geographical and others. Some areas have natural water springs that of great importance and must be preserved while some have wildlife benefits. Such information makes each ward different therefore, ward profiling must be done with all stakeholders catering for women, youths and people with disabilities that must not be left behind.
‘‘We need to keep the values of making Zimbabwe a middle to upper economy by 2030. Ward profiling needs action and strategies for development. There must be participation of communities in their areas,’’ she further explained.
Hurungwe district development coordinator Friend Ngirazi also his office connects grassroots and top government on issues of governance.
‘‘The role of district coordinator is to work closely with communities through elected public officers,’’ he said.
Ngirazi added that councilors must refrain from conflict with other sectors.
‘‘Councilors must keep their own lane and not interfere with management as part of good governance. They must also respect traditional leaders especially Chiefs who have their roles in discharging their duties to the same subjects where you collect revenue for council economic sustainability. Each of us must be guided accordingly,’’ said Ngirazi.
Hurungwe rural district council chairperson Mary Mliswa-Chikoka called on other policymakers to be serious on matters affecting their wards.
‘‘This training is an eye opener for us as we strive to embrace President’s call to action so that we achieve better livelihoods by 2030. It is our duty to work closely with all stakeholders so ward profiling can be achievement base for our communities,’’ said Chikoka-Mliswa.
Hurungwe rural is one of the largest districts in the country. The council has 26 elected councillors with 4 as part of proportional representatives. Two former Members of Parliament Chikoka-Mliswa (Hurungwe West) and Goodluck Kwaramba (Hurungwe PR) are now part of the council.
