Dubbed Mutare Dialogue and Technology for Accountability (M-Data), the project aims to enhance service delivery capacity by the struggling local authority through promoting dialogue with citizens.
The project will allow residents and civil society groups representing them to interact using modern technology. Information from the council will be accessed through the same platform. An sms hotline will be set up through which residents will be able to raise queries, forward complaints and enhance their participation in service delivery related issues.
The IRC has donated nine computers worth $10,000 for the project. The beneficiaries include the Mutare Combined Residents Association (MCRA), the Mutare Residents and Ratepayers Forum (MRRF) and the Mutare Residents and Ratepayers Association (MRRA).
IRC programmes coordinator, Justin Kufakweimba, said the computers would assist in the implementation of the project. A local organisation, Peace Building and Capacity Development (PACDEF) is also involved. The executive director, Alexius Manyanda, said the project would strengthen communication between residents and the local authority.
City of Mutare Town Clerk, Obert Muzawazi, hailed the project, saying it will provide a platform for residents to participate in council’s decision-making processes. He encouraged unity of purpose between civil society, residents and the local authority.
Post published in: News