HAMREF Chairperson Marvellous Kumalo is attending the Local Government Investment Conference in Bulawayo. HAMREF through its representative Marvellous Kumalo will table the Devolution Paper for intense discussions with other Stakeholders.
The HAMREF position paper goes beyond the Ministry of Local Government proposed review of Provincial and Metropolitan Councils Act in line with Section 267(2) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe to give effect to alteration to provincial and district boundaries. HAMREF position paper encompasses the following:
1) Review of the Public Finance Management Act to give effect to devolved taxation (VAT & INCOME tax), effecting Section 301(3) obliging national government to allocate not less than 5% to lower tiers of government, the right to social accountability and mandatory submission of strategic plans to accompany budget estimates before approval by Parliament.
2) The need for a DEVOLUTION ACT that clearly lays out the institutional structure, reporting and coordination mechanisms of the three tiers of Government. Beyond institutions the Act must specify staffing for Provincial and Metropolitan Councils (in line with Section 270(2)) as well as powers and responsibilities of citizens and lower tiers of Government.
3) Review of Joint Ventures Act, Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Act and the Regional Town and Country Planning Act.
4) Inclusion of marginalized people
5) Devolved natural resource governance
Today the HAMREF representative will have an opportunity to air our position during a UCAZ policy dialogue with President Cde Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Source: Harare Metropolitan Residents Forum (HAMREF)
