VISET Conducts a Social Service Delivery Town Hall Meeting in Zengeza, Chitungwiza
On Wednesday the 10th of May 2023, VISET was in Ward 10 Zengeza for a Social Service Delivery Town hall and Engagement meeting with Chitungwiza residents and informal traders. The meeting was also attended by solution holders that included representative from Chitungwiza Town Council’s Housing Department, elected Councillors from the area and some residents associations representatives
In his opening remarks Mr. Dhaka Chitungwiza District Housing Officer indicated that there are designated spaces in Chitungwiza for informal economy workers to operate from, but unfortunately without adequate infrastructure such as ablution facilities. However, as a way forward, council had come up with a strategy to accommodate informal traders who may want to pursue their trade at certain spaces they will have identified. Should the space meet requirements, they will then be given an operating licence after paying an annual fee of US$13. He also confirmed that there were established market spaces that fall under Council purview where traders are given 3 month operating licences subject to renewal.
In his presentation Councillor Chiwanza conceded that the current by-laws were outdated and stressed that Government needed came up with model bylaws that the local government ministry and other relevant stakeholders can use to help local authorities align with national SMEs policy. He added that there is need to harmonise the by-laws and ensure that they are in line with the constitution and the country’s national development plans such as the NSD1
Registration and regularisation of informal traders
With regards to registration of informal traders, Cllr Chiwanza urged VISET to ensure that the organisation’s members are well versed with the registration process so as to eradicate corruption and underhand dealings that sometimes inhibit revenue collection interventions by Council. Responding to this point, residents and informal traders urged the Council to set up a One Stop Shop for registration so as to minimise cases of underhand dealings and leakages. Informal traders pointed out that, they are not necessarily against the payment of taxes but stressed the need to ensure that all revenue collected is used in a transparent and accountable manner.
Cholera outbreak
The cholera outbreak also came under the spotlight with residents asking the representative from the department of housing the kind of measures put in place to protect residents and workers in the informal economy. The representative responded by assuring the participants that the council is doing all it can to support the department of health to be able to respond promptly to any cases and ensure the provision of water in all the markets.
Enforcement of Council By laws
Residents also raised concerns regarding the role of Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) in the confiscation of informal traders that are deemed to be operation from the so-called undesignated areas. VISET members argued that the enforcement of by laws should be the role of Municipal Police. The Councillor responded by promising participants that he was going to raise the issue in the next Council full meeting which is set for next week. He however stressed that ZRP is involved in the enforcement of bylaws since they have arresting powers that Council at the moment does not have, although this is being reviewed by government. The Councillor advised participants that they have since stopped conducting joint blitzes with ZRP as in most instances goods and fines levied would be taken by ZRP.
Markets and infrastructure development
A suggestion was made for Council to partner with private players to develop market spaces. This would ensure that world class markets are constructed and this will also go a long way in improving the revenue for the council. Related to that, council was encouraged to effectively consult informal traders on citing of markets, as in some instances markets are situated far from customers. Councillor Chiwanza in response said the first port of call is for informal traders to register so that Council can consult them when developing markets. He also confirmed that talks are at an advanced stage with a private developer on vending stalls construction. The process has been stalled through the new legislation that requires that such partnerships should come through ZIDA and local government to develop markets at sites such as Chikwanha, Jambanja, Huruyadzo and Makoni.
Corruption and underhand dealings
Regarding corruption in the informal economy, Councillor Majoni urged informal traders not to give bribes to municipal police in particular when these officers come in their individual capacity. He further said that where Council comes through to markets and fines need to be paid, these should be accompanied by a receipt, as a cashier is always at hand. VISET members were urged to document and report cases of corruption in their areas of operation.
Refuse Collection
On refuse collection, the Councillor informed the participants that they have now improved refuse collection following the revamp of their trucks and urged residents to desist from dumping as it now attracts a fine of US$80.
Budget consultation processes
Councillor Majoni urged residents to ensure they attend budget consultation meetings in order for their development needs to be met. They are held to ensure that community members support the levels of spending and agree on the spending priorities and ensure that they reflect on the needs of the people.
Jabulani Chikomwe in his concluding remarks said, VISET is implementing the project in Chitungwiza to ensure that residents and informal traders can come together to discuss how they can enhance civic participation, service delivery and social accountability. In light of the Cholera outbreak, Jabulani urged the VISET Leadership structures, The SOCHAMPs, to work together with the Local Authorities to ensure that outbreak is halted effectively
