We reject the consultations for the following reasons.
The Association is convinced on the illegality of the Commission. It has
been reappointed over six times against the law. The Urban councils Act
(Chapter 29:15) stipulates the maximum period a commission can serve. The
courts of law have on various occasions declared it illegal. Note the
Justice Sandura case, the Justice Kamocha case etc.
The City of Harare is already implementing its proposed rates. Several CHRA
members have reported cases in which municipal clinics are charging the new
fees. It was also reported that the new parking fees of $100 000 was already
being implemented. It is useless then to consult residents on a budget that
is already in implementation.
The Commission running City of Harare has a history of implementing its
budgets without taking due cogniscence of process. In the last two years
budgets have been implemented well before the lapse of the mandatory 30 day
consultation period. Consultations are now more of a formality as opposed to
being part of the entire budgetary process.
There is no taxation without representation. CHRA demands the holding of
free and fair elections for the Mayor and Councilors. We demand leaders who
are accountable to the people and who will monitor how residents resources
are properly spent.
The Association is mobilizing and conscientising its membership to reject
the illegal commission and its illegitimate budget processes. CHRA is also
running budget literacy workshops which aim at capacitating residents with a
better understanding on the due process of budget formulation. CHRA
continues to advocate for effective, transparent and accountable local
governance. We seek to enhance the participation of residents in the
formulation of local governance policies and in the public budget making
process. – CHRA
Post published in: News