News / National
Zimbabwe's 2 595 councillors to blow US$1 million
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An estimated US$1 million of ratepayers' money is set to be spent as 2,595 councillors from Zimbabwe's 92 local authorities prepare to attend a brief meeting with President Emmerson Mnangagwa - the second such indaba in just seven months.
The meeting, organised by the Zimbabwe Local Government Association (ZILGA), is set to mirror last November's gathering, which also drew criticism for extravagant spending while basic service delivery in local councils continues to collapse.
Local authorities, many of which are struggling under the weight of debt, unpaid salaries, and failing infrastructure, are reportedly footing the bill for councillors' travel, hotel accommodation, and allowances. These include hotel bookings, transport costs, and daily allowances covering meals and incidental expenses.
Last year, each councillor received a daily package of US$209.80, broken down as follows: US$90 for bed, US$22.50 for breakfast, US$30 for lunch, US$37.30 for dinner, and US$30 as a supplementary allowance. If the same rates apply this year, the cost for all 2,595 councillors would total approximately US$1.088 million.
This comes at a time when many councils are failing to provide basic services. In Harare, for example, some suburbs have gone without running water for over a decade, while roads, sewer systems, and waste collection services have deteriorated nationwide. Most councils also owe workers several months' worth of unpaid salaries.
Ministry of Local Government and Public Works spokesperson Gabriel Masvora confirmed the upcoming meeting to the Masvingo Mirror, though details about the agenda remain unclear. Last year's indaba was held in Harare; this year's venue has not yet been disclosed.
ZILGA, which brings together all local authorities in Zimbabwe, is organising the event. Efforts to reach ZILGA chairperson Aaron Golden Shamu for comment were unsuccessful.
Critics say the lavish gatherings highlight misplaced priorities and lack of accountability in local governance, as millions are spent on meetings while residents go without essential services.
With councils under pressure to justify rate increases amid deteriorating living conditions, the latest expenditure is likely to further fuel public anger and calls for reform.
The meeting, organised by the Zimbabwe Local Government Association (ZILGA), is set to mirror last November's gathering, which also drew criticism for extravagant spending while basic service delivery in local councils continues to collapse.
Local authorities, many of which are struggling under the weight of debt, unpaid salaries, and failing infrastructure, are reportedly footing the bill for councillors' travel, hotel accommodation, and allowances. These include hotel bookings, transport costs, and daily allowances covering meals and incidental expenses.
Last year, each councillor received a daily package of US$209.80, broken down as follows: US$90 for bed, US$22.50 for breakfast, US$30 for lunch, US$37.30 for dinner, and US$30 as a supplementary allowance. If the same rates apply this year, the cost for all 2,595 councillors would total approximately US$1.088 million.
Ministry of Local Government and Public Works spokesperson Gabriel Masvora confirmed the upcoming meeting to the Masvingo Mirror, though details about the agenda remain unclear. Last year's indaba was held in Harare; this year's venue has not yet been disclosed.
ZILGA, which brings together all local authorities in Zimbabwe, is organising the event. Efforts to reach ZILGA chairperson Aaron Golden Shamu for comment were unsuccessful.
Critics say the lavish gatherings highlight misplaced priorities and lack of accountability in local governance, as millions are spent on meetings while residents go without essential services.
With councils under pressure to justify rate increases amid deteriorating living conditions, the latest expenditure is likely to further fuel public anger and calls for reform.
Source - Mirror
