By Correspondent
Government’s recent review of allowances for Councillors with the highest paid, Mayors, getting roughly US$90 has raised more questions.
According to a Gvt circular the allowances which are with effect from 1 January 2024, are as follows:
Mayors/Chairpersons – ZWL$1,629,906Deputy
Mayors/Chairpersons – ZWL$1,494,081
Committee Chairpersons – ZWL$1,412,585
Councillor – ZWL$1,358,255.
Breeding Corruption
Harare Residents Trust says central Government should not even be part of the equation in coming up with the allowances.
“Local authorities are a tier of government.
“They must be able, without the national government’s intervention, the power to determine on their own allowances payable to their Councillors, Committee Chairpersons, mayors and chairpersons.
“Why does the Government make it seem like all local authorities are the same, because they have different financial capabilities?
HRT said the current allowance scenario is one reason why there is endemic corruption.
“This may be the major reason for the widespread corruption in local authorities by mayors and councillors.
On their part Cllrs have perennially complained about the low allowances.
Residents In Support
However, many residents are still of the view that the amount is enough.
“Being a councillor’s isn’t a full time job from which one expects to earn a living.
“They have to earn a life through other means.
“So it’s proper, after all who is getting paid enough in the country,” queried one Steve Chadya from Kambuzuma.
Another resident Memory Msipa said being a Cllr is a national service.
“One should aspire to be a councilor when they have already made it in life.
“That way you don’t get into office hungry to steal or enrich yourself.
“This is a national service to bring development,” she said.