HLB councillors urged to establish ward development committees

By Thandeka Matebesi

HWANGE Local Board (HLB) Chairman Councillor Nqobile Ocean Mabhena has urged fellow councillors to establish ward development committees (Wadcos) so as to spearhead progress in their areas of jurisdiction. 

Cllr Mabhena said it was of paramount importance for councillors to form Wadcos to enable them to plan and coordinate developmental activities at grassroots levels.

“There should be Wadcos in each ward. Of course some councillors claim to be having them, but for some of them the claims are not substantiated. A Wadco determines the development thrust of that particular ward,” he said. 

Cllr Mabhena said most wards were failing to utilise the five percent realised from the annual collection of rates in their areas by the local authority due to lack of Wadcos. 

“In every cent paid to council as rates from a particular ward, five percent of the money is ploughed back through the Wadco. It’s the Wadco, which then decides what it needs to do with the funds,” he said. 

Cllr Mabhena further hinted that council should not initiate projects in any area without residents’ buy-in.

“Even when council has its own projects lined-up, prioritisation will always change depending on what will be most sought after by residents in that particular area. Residents are the ones that pay rates, so they should determine, which project they need most,” he said. 

Ward 5 Councillor Tendai Sibanda said the Wadco in her area of jurisdiction has initiated numerous self-help projects, which have since played an integral role in improving livelihoods of many families. 

“Through Wadco we have initiated a burial society and formed a women’s savings club. We have also come up with a number of income generating projects particularly targeting the most vulnerable members in our society,” she said. 

Ward 6 Councillor Andrew Mupande said although there was a Wadco in his area of jurisdiction it has not been effective. 

“A Wadco was established but it hasn’t carried out its mandate, so I’m pondering whether to give the committee another chance to perform its duties or to come up with a new one,” he said. 

Cllr Mupande acknowledged the important role played by Wadcos towards initiating development in communities. 

“There’s a certain percentage drawn from rates paid by residents in a ward, which is channelled to Wadcos. The Wadco identifies a project needed in a ward and utilises the funds towards that particular project,” he said.