New allowances for mayors, councillors

THE government has approved the increase of monthly allowances for mayors and councillors by more than 200 percent.

According to a circular titled "Financial Prudence" forwarded to all local authorities by the Ministry of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing, the mayor of Harare will now pocket $1,250 per month, up from $450 while his deputy pockets $840, up from $350.

Harare city committee chairpersons will earn $560 with councillors getting $550 up from $300.

The Mayor of Bulawayo will get $1,000, his deputy $660, committee chairpersons $450 and councillors $400. Mayors of other cities will pocket $840, their deputies $550, committee chairpersons $370 and councillors $350.

Mayors of municipalities will be awarded $600, while their deputies will receive $400. Municipality committee chairpersons will receive $360, councillors $300. Towns and local boards mayors will get $560 and their deputies will earn $350.

Their committee chairpersons will receive $300 while councillors will get $250. Lupane/Chirundu mayors will get $350, deputies $280, committee chairpersons $240 and councillors $200.

The highest paid councillor in all local authorities was pocketing $477 while the lowest took home $80 a month while Members of Parliament take home more than $1,900.