By Correspondent
Masvingo City Councillor for Ward 9, Benard Muchokwa, has dismissed as peanuts recent Council allowance increments.
Instead, Muchokwa said the Ministry of Local Government should provide motorbikes together with better allowances.
“There is no increament to talk of here.
“The money is less that US$50 if we want to convert it.
“Councilors are just being viewed as volunteers doing volunteer work for their communities.
Local Government Minister Winston Chitando recently announced that Mayors and Chairpersons will pocket at least ZWl $1.6 million.
Their Deputies will be getting ZWL$1.4 million.
Meanwhile ordinary councilors will pocket ZWL$1.3million.
The increments are with effect from 1 January 2024.
However, Muchokwa says the changes are of no significance.
He said councilors have a mandate to move around wards, meeting ratepayers.
This requires more money and vehicular support.
“The Ministry should consider providing councillors with motorbikes.
“It will make the work of a councillor quite easy considering the distances we cover each day while attending to the needs of our communities,” he said.