VISET in landmark Community-Policy makers engagement

Vendors Initiative for Social and Economic Transformation (VISET), on Tuesday the 8th of January 2019, held one of its third Community Decision Making Forum (CDMFs) in Woodlands community of Gweru at Methodist Church.

The meeting brought together 150 participants drawn from VISET members in the area, local residents and small business owners. Duty bearers who attended the meeting included the Member of Parliament for Chiwundura, Hon. Chiminya, two councilors, headman, ward development committee representatives and local church leaders.

The thrust of the CDMF was to create a platform for inclusive decision making for all stakeholders in development agenda of the community and also to foster a culture of consultations.

The major issues arising from the meeting ranged from service delivery to infrastructure provision.

On service delivery, residents and informal traders raised the issue of lack of refuse collection leading to accumulation of dumpsites which are a health hazard to residents. Provision of adequate, clean and potable water at all times was raised as another challenge facing the community and required urgent attention and a long-term sustainable solution.

On the infrastructure side, bad roads, lack of vending stalls and lack of recreational facilities in the community were highlighted as the key challenges requiring collective attention.

After the three-hour engagement, VISET Director Samuel Wadzai, who facilitated the deliberations, underscored the importance of this platform by emphasising that issues would be taken up so that they can be responded to.

“This is not just a talk show. As you can see, we have policy makers and local leadership hence from here we will develop a paper with these issues and submit to the relevant offices. We will also make periodic follow ups to see that demands are implemented,” said Mr. Wadzai.

The CDMFs underline the importance VISET attach to dialogue and inclusive consultations as a driver to find solutions to common challenges in communities. We shall continue to roll out these platforms across the Vungu Rural District Council communities.

Source: Vendors Initiative for Social and Economic Transformation (VISET)

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