Urban Councils Association of Zimbabwe marks 100th...

Urban Councils Association of Zimbabwe marks 100th year in existence

Zim Now Writer

Urban Councils Association of Zimbabwe, which was formed in 1923 and brings together all 32 urban local authorities in the country, marked its 100th year of existence in Mutare on Saturday.

UCAZ outgoing president and Karoi Mayor Abel Matsika said the proceedings began with a march from Mutare Central Police to Mutare Hall.

“The reason we are here is UCAZ was born in 1923 and we thought we would not have done justice to let this auspicious occasion slip by without celebrating it in style. That explains why we are here,” he said.

UCAZ researches into matters of importance to its members, scrutinises legislation, lobbying to Government and relevant organisations for its members, provide expertise in key areas to members with cooperation of partners in local government and study practices in other jurisdictions and make recommendations to its members.

This year’s commemorations were held under the theme: “Celebrating excellence and resilience”.

The celebrations were launched in Bulawayo during the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair week.

Participants took part in a soccer match, golf and netball games.

The UCAZ leadership, led by Board member and Kwekwe Mayoress Councillor Future Titora and first vice president and Bulawayo Mayor Solomon Mguni, donated goods to Mutare Probation Centre.

UCAZ was established as a loose forum on municipalities with the purpose of discussing matters of common concern. It was formally constituted in 1940 when a permanent secretariat was established.
Its founding members are the municipalities of Harare, Bulawayo, Gweru, Kadoma, Mutare, Masvingo and Bindura.

UCAZ is funded through members’ subscriptions, donors and partners in local government. The association elects new leadership every five years when new mayors are sworn in.

The association has six subcommittees, management, manpower and legal services, women in local government, finance, health services, housing and community services and technical services.