Staff Reporter
Parliament is scheduled to hold a pre-budget seminar in Victoria Falls, from 22 to 26 October 2021, where Members of Parliament (MPs) will get an opportunity to meet with the Executive.
Speaking through a press statement, Clerk of Parliament, Kenneth Chokuda advised that the preparations were already at an advanced stage.
The pre-budget seminar affords Parliament to present findings of its Budget Consultations conducted across the country. Citizens from across the ten provinces have applauded Parliament for creating a platform where they participate in the budget formulation process.
This publication managed to speak to Loise Mhloyi from Chimanimani, who expressed appreciation to the processes being undertaken by Parliament to involve the public in its processes.
“The stance by Parliament to involve us is commendable, there are a lot of things that affect us on the ground and it is only us who can raise those issues. Our infrastructure is still not completely rehabilitated, we need our MPs to represent us, but the money that they are given is enough to fix all our challenges,” said Mhloyi.
Robert Makoni from Nyanga bemoaned the state of their roads and schools, which were destroyed during Cyclone Idai, and was grateful for the consultations as he was able to air his concerns.
“Some roads are still impassable since Cyclone Idai and they need attention before the onset of the rains. Currently some schools are not complete, though a lot of work and effort has been put into it. I told the Portfolio Committee on budget that the money for constituency development should be able to attend to our situation”.
Thanking the citizens for their participation, Mr Chokuda, said, “The Constitution compels Parliament to consult the general public on such matters. We remain thankful to the general public for their participation and contribution to this budget consultation exercise”.
Furthermore, citizens have demanded a strict audit of the funds disbursed to MPs, citing lack of development in their constituencies.
The pre-budget seminar will be addressed by the Speaker of Parliament, Jacob Nzwidamilimo Mudenda.
