Council has introduced virtual pre-budget consultations for residents to contribute towards formulating the city’s 2021 budget.
Council has introduced virtual pre-budget consultations for residents to contribute towards formulating the city’s 2021 budget.
The consultations are currently ongoing through WhatsApp platforms as public gatherings are yet to be permitted under current government’s Covid-19 regulations.
Council live streamed its mid-year 2020 budget performance on its Facebook Page and also pioneered the virtual 2021 budget consultations.
The city’s Corporate Communications Manager Mr Michael Chideme said Ward groups have already been created with residents already providing their input.
“Virtual interactions with our stakeholders are ongoing. We have structured virtual timetables for each ward. Councilors and officials are part of the groups. The timetable mainstreams various interest groups,” he said.
He said as an inclusive city the local authority did not want to leave anyone behind in its programs.
“Our budget has set timelines to be submitted to Government for approval, so everything we do must be guided by that.
“We thought it better to have these virtual consultations so that residents can have their views captured. We did not want a situation where we have a budget without residents’ buy in,” he said.
He said each group has council officials from various departments who will capture input as well as respond to some questions.
“We have made sure that all relevant departments are represented in these groups so that they can get information for issues under their purview as well as respond to issues that may need clarity,” he said.
Harare residents have been urging Council to make use of technology in tandem with growing trends in the world.
