Citizen Assembly urges active involvement in community projects

Providence Moyo

Residents have been called upon to actively engage in various community development initiatives within their areas to ensure sustainability, accountability and transparency in community projects.

The clarion call was made during a Citizen Assembly organized by the Women’s Institute for Leadership Development (WILD), at Stanley Hall in Makokoba, Bulawayo. Ward 7 residents and leaders were in attendance.

Programs manager for Bulawayo Progressives Residents Association (BPRA), Claude Phuti emphasized that heightened participation of community members would serve as a potent catalyst for promoting transparency and accountability in managing financial resources and assets.

“Corruption thrives on the lack of comprehensive participation resulting from individualistic ownership of projects, wherein development is entrusted to a select few community members who often misuse resources for personal gain.

 However, if communities are involved in the project, they have complete ownership and ensure its sustainability and continuity by being well-informed about the project’s details and budget. This enables them to question authorities in cases of anomalies,” said Phuti.

He added that when citizens are strongly involved in projects, such projects tend to attract stakeholders including investors.

“Proper development requires citizens’ involvement in problem identification, solution formulation, and implementation. Such communities have a higher likelihood of attracting diverse stakeholders interested in development to invest in their programs.”

Speaking to Community Podium on the sidelines of the assembly, Councillor for Ward, Thandiwe Moyo echoed Phuti’s sentiments and expressed concerns over the lack of youth involvement in community projects. She bemoaned the apathetic behaviour of young people in her ward as she revealed that in the last three months since she assumed office, no youth has come forward to inquire about any challenges faced by Ward 7 residents. 

“Many young people associate development programs with old age, believing that such discussions are reserved for the older generation. I have also observed a challenge in youth participation in public and developmental spaces, as their involvement often comes with financial demands. When invited to these spaces, the first question they ask is typically about payment and compensation for their participation. This approach must be challenged because it hinders meaningful representation of their issues and causes them to fall behind. It is crucial that this notion be changed to foster inclusive and effective representation,” Cllr Moyo said.

Ginnifer Kaoma, a resident in Ward 7, was one of many residents who expressed their desire for development projects in the ward. These include rehabilitating youth centers, street lighting, empowering women through life skills training, and intensifying efforts to combat drug abuse.

The Citizen Assembly presented an opportunity for the Makokoba community to be educated on the roles of the councillor, community development funds, ward retention funds, among other key aspects of local governance.