By Rutendo Mazhindu
Zimnow Reporter
The Combined Harare Residents Association (CHRA) has urged the government to speed up the implementation of devolution, warning that centralised control continues to weaken local governance and service delivery across Zimbabwe.
In a statement marking the country’s 45th Independence Day under the theme "Zim @45: Devolve and Develop Together Towards Vision 2030," CHRA said progress in disbursing constitutionally guaranteed devolution funds remains limited, with local authorities facing growing challenges.
CHRA Chairperson David Pasipanodya said devolution was at the heart of the liberation struggle, which sought to give power to the people.
“The liberation struggle that birthed our independence aimed to empower the masses through majority rule. Devolution, as enshrined in Chapter 14 of the Constitution, is critical to ensuring local governance reflects the will of the people,” Pasipanodya said.
He criticised the Ministry of Local Government for centralising power, including making decisions like water privatisation in Harare without citizen involvement.
“Such actions contradict Sections 264 and 276 of the Constitution, which emphasise local autonomy and community-led governance,” he said.
CHRA said while devolution fund disbursements began in 2019, the allocations have sharply declined from 115% in 2019 to just 14% in 2023.
Harare Metropolis received only 13% of the funds. The association warned that such central control undermines the ability of local councils to raise revenue, govern independently and pass local laws.
The residents’ group said communities should have the power to decide their affairs through elected councillors.
“The current framework, where the central government dictates policies and fund usage, violates the principles of devolution and disempowers the people,” said Pasipanodya.
CHRA called on government to align local government laws with Chapter 14 of the Constitution, increase devolution fund allocations to meet the 5% requirement under Section 301(3), and enact legislation to activate the Provincial Councils elected in 2023.
“By embracing devolution, Zimbabwe can empower its people, strengthen local governance, and advance toward Vision 2030,” Pasipanodya added.
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