Public budgeting is more than just numbers on paper – it is about shaping the future of our communities.
In Zimbabwe, local authorities are guided by Section 288 of the Urban Councils Act and Section 121 of the Rural District Councils Act, working hand in hand with the Public Finance Management Act. These laws empower councils to plan, allocate, and manage resources on behalf of citizens.
However, the effectiveness of these budgets depends on how well they respond to the real needs of the people. An inclusive budgeting process ensures that youth, women, people with disabilities, and other marginalized groups are involved in shaping local priorities.
This approach brings fairness, transparency, and accountability to the way public money is spent.
The Budget Cycle: What Citizens Should Know
The budget process in Zimbabwe’s local authorities follows a cycle that every resident in Chipinge District should understand:
1. Budget Formulation (July – September): Councils prepare draft budgets, ideally through consultative meetings where communities share their priorities.
2. Budget Approval (October – December): Draft budgets are submitted to the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works for review and approval.
3. Budget Execution (January – December): Councils collect revenue (rates, service charges, licenses) and spend according to approved allocations.
4. Monitoring and Reporting (Throughout the year): Local authorities are required to publish financial statements and provide updates on how funds are being used.
The Gap in Chipinge District
Despite these legal frameworks, many residents in Chipinge District are left in the dark about the budget cycle. Local authorities are not providing accessible information sources, making it difficult for ordinary citizens to follow how money is being allocated and spent. In some cases, budget consultations are poorly advertised, held in inaccessible venues, or fail to include voices from rural wards, women, and people with disabilities.
This creates a disconnect between what communities need – such as water, sanitation, affordable housing, and health services – and what councils actually prioritize.
Why Inclusive Budgeting Matters
When citizens are involved in the budget process:
Trust grows between residents and local authorities.
Resources are better aligned with community needs.
Marginalized voices are heard, ensuring fairness and equity.
Accountability is strengthened, reducing misuse of public funds.
Call to Action for Chipinge Residents and Council
As Chipinge Residents and Ratepayers Trust (CRRT), we call upon local authorities in both Chipinge Town Council and Chipinge Rural District Council to:
Provide accessible, clear, and timely information about the budget cycle.
Use diverse platforms (meetings, radio, notices, social media, and braille where possible) to reach all groups.
Adopt data-driven participation methods that help track citizens’ priorities and align them with spending.
Embrace modern communication systems – such as SMS alerts, WhatsApp groups, interactive budget portals, and community radio – to reach wider audiences, including rural and marginalized communities.
Ensure meaningful participation of youth, women, and people with disabilities in budget consultations.
Publish regular budget performance reports to build transparency.
Citizens also have a role to play. We must attend budget consultations, demand accountability, and voice our priorities so that the district’s budget reflects the real needs of our communities.
Inclusive budgeting is not a privilege – it is a right guaranteed by law. When we all participate, we ensure that every dollar collected from our taxes and rates works for the common good.
📌 About Chipinge Residents and Ratepayers Trust (CRRT):
CRRT is a community-driven, membership-based organization established in 2016 to promote effective, non-partisan resident participation in local governance across Chipinge District. The Trust advocates for transparency, accountability, service delivery, and the protection of residents’ rights, ensuring that community voices shape decisions that affect their daily lives.