He was speaking at the ZILGA third Biennial Conference on Saturday
 last week. The meeting drew officials from countrys 92 local
authorities and sought to bring solutions on issues
 affecting the operations of local authorities.
Chiminya said government departments were not prioritising paying their bills to
councils. “We are all aware that ratepayers are economically down. They cannot afford to remit their rates and taxes,” he said.
He said ZILGA as a member of various portifolio parliamentary committees, would continue to play a role in fighting for effective rural and urban development.
“The council should make realistic policies and advance the aspirations of its community. Local authorities should be accountable,” said Chiminya.
Turning to the new constitution set to be adopted after a referendum in March, Chiminya said ZILGA campaigned vigorously for the rights of local authorities.
“The local authority now benefits directly from the fiscus and it is our hope that acts will be finalised and the local authority will benefit from the new draft constitution, “said Chiminya.
Post published in: News