The Urban Councils Association of Zimbabwe (UCAZ), which represents councillors and mayors has approached the government demanding an increase in their allowances by at least 250%. The city fathers are citing the rise in prices of basic goods and services as the motivation behind their demands.
Gweru mayor Josiah Makombe who is also the UCAZ president confirmed the development adding that allowances were only to cover costs of living. He said:
We only want a cushion allowances to cover the costs of living. We have made a proposal to the Ministry of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing for consideration. We hope to hear from them soon.
For Harare city fathers, UCAZ is demanding the following:
- Mayor – from ZWL$1 250 To ZWL$2 250
- Deputy mayor – from ZWL$840 To ZWL$1 800, with
- Committee chairpersons – from ZWL$560 to ZWL$1 650 and
- councillors – from ZWL$550 to ZWL$1 550.
For Bulawayo, UCAZ wants the following:
- Mayor – ZWLZWL$1 000 To $2 100
- Deputy – ZWL$660 To ZWL$1 650 from and
- Committee chairpersons ZWL$450 To ZWL$1 575
- councillors ZWL$400 To ZWL$1 425
Whilst awaiting government approval on proposed allowances, Harare City Council has resolved to start paying food allowances according to the prevailing hotel rates.
These demands coincide with outcries over poor to no services by local authorities. These sub-national governments have been citing inadequacy of resources as the major constraint to service delivery.
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- FULL TEXT: Gweru City Council Warns Of Strict Water Rationing
More: NewsDay
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