Bwami Chonga Mudimba
The Portfolio Committee on Budget, Finance and Investment Promotion held a national budget sensitisation meeting in Binga on 16 September 2024 at Tinde Reformed Church. The meeting, broadcast via Twasumpuka FM, aimed to involve local residents in shaping Zimbabwe’s financial plans, promoting inclusive budgeting and citizen participation.
The consultation, set for 30 September 2024, will provide residents an opportunity to influence the national budget formulation. This initiative is part of the government’s drive to ensure that marginalised communities, like Binga, have a say in decisions that affect their lives.
MP for Binga North,Honourable Chineka Muchimba and MP for Binga South, Honourable Fanuel Cuumanzala, attended the meeting, stressing the importance of community involvement in shaping the national budget. They highlighted how vital it is for local concerns to be reflected in national planning.
Honourable Muchimba voiced the water access challenges faced by the Musenampongo community, located just 12 kilometres from the Zambezi River.attend the public hearing.He urged women and youths to attend the public hearings as they are the most affected by budgetary decisions.
“The consultation will especially help women, who are often the most affected by health challenges like cervical cancer, among others.These groups are often the most impacted by budgetary decisions and must be actively involved to shape the future,” he said.
During his address, Honourable Muchimba pointed out the significance of such meetings in addressing local issues through the national budget.
“Water access remains a pressing issue for our people, and the budget must reflect solutions to these problems,” he stressed.
Honourable Cuumanzala echoed these sentiments, calling for the active participation of citizens, organisations and stakeholders in the upcoming consultation process. He outlined key areas for public input, including suggestions on structuring tax systems to cover the informal sector, mining and individual taxation.
“The aim is to create a tax system that responds to the needs of vulnerable groups, including women, youth and persons with disabilities,” he explained.
Honourable Cuumanzala further emphasized the need to restructure fees for essential government services like passport applications, vehicle licensing and company registrations, ensuring these services are affordable and accessible.
He also highlighted the historical grievance surrounding the Tonga people, who were relocated during the construction of the Kariba Dam wall.
“There is a need for a budget allocation to compensate the Tonga people who were displaced, as this remains a significant injustice. Addressing these historical wrongs while planning for future development is crucial,” Honourable Cuumanzala said.
Both MPs urged the community to take part in the public consultation on 30 September, emphasising that it is a critical opportunity for residents to shape a budget that reflects their true needs and aspirations.
However, significant challenges to participation persist. The distance between Tinde Ward 18 and Chunga-Lunga Ward 1, which is nearly 230 kilometres, presents a major hurdle for residents wishing to attend the meetings. Furthermore, many rural communities lack internet access, posing a barrier to remote participation.
“We have limited data and internet connectivity, especially in areas like Kalungwizi, which makes it difficult for many to participate,” Honourable Muchimba explained.
Despite these obstacles, the government is committed to improving the consultation process to ensure greater public involvement. It is recommended that consultations be localized within each district to make them more accessible. This approach will ensure that diverse voices are heard across various wards, shaping a budget that truly reflects the needs of Zimbabwe’s citizens.
