Analysis of the Harare City Council Pre-Budget Consultations - ZNBC

Summary of findings
The Zimbabwe National Budget Coalition (ZNBC), a civil society consortium, monitored the recent pre-budget consultations conducted by the Harare City Council from the 19th to the 20th of September 2016. The conclusions drawn are based on the information gathered by ZNBC members who observed the processes. These findings should be interpreted as a reflection of residents priorities as well as provide insight regarding gaps in the budget consultative processes.

Overall, attendance was very low especially in low-density areas where residents' turn up was very low. Nonetheless, participation from residents was very high, showing great appreciation of key budgetary issues and the duty of council to be accountable to its citizens.

In general, there were significant differences in people's priorities by community council area. In the high density, basic needs such as Water and Sanitation, Refuse collection and health concerns were prioritized while in the northern suburbs, key priorities included street lighting and refurbishment of recreational facilities. This may reflect personal experiences of particular services rather than more strategic decisions on where cuts should be made.

However, across the board people wanted the 2016 Council budget to protect frontline services for vulnerable children and adults and see savings taken from management and administration. The huge council salaries bill amid deteriorating service provision was topical throughout the discussions.

2015 Budget Project Highlights
The council cited the following across the meetings as key projects embarked in 2015:

i. * Forty Per cent of job was done at Morton Jeffry removing and replacing old pipes

ii. * Establishment of Street lights on Airport Road and Robert Mugabe Road

iii. * Purchased graders and other machinery for road maintenance

iv. * Established  play grounds for children

v. * 10 per cent retention fee to wards

Methodology:
The meetings were chaired by ward Councilors and panels comprising of Council delegates from all departments would respond to technical issues. A delegate from the Finance department would start by outlining the 2015 budget overview and giving a snapshot of the Council strategic plan. In few areas, junior councils were part of the panel delegations, while in other areas, junior councilors were not present. where the council sat and discussed the propose issues to be included in the budget. The communities, though represented by a few individuals participated in eager anticipation of addressing of their challenges.

Recommendations:
1.  The council should ensure the involvement of Junior Councilors in the pre budget consultations as they serve a constituency with a critical and unique voice.

2. Council should make available copies of strategic documents and budgets in order to facilitate informed decisions. Further, presentations on budget performance should be detailed and provide key insight into the gaps that the next budget should address.

3. Council should publicize and mobilize residents to attend the consultative meetings as attendance was generally poor

4. More platforms for feedback and engagement with residents should be created so as to ensure that Pre Budget meetings do not become grievances platforms

5. Ensure inclusivity of all stakeholders, with special attention to marginalized groups.