Community Voices Zimbabwe (CVZ) and the Zimbabwe Coalition on Debt and Development (ZIMCODD) have taken significant steps in empowering citizens through their Strengthening Institutes and People Participation in Public Finance (SIPPP) program. Recent public meetings in Zhombe’s Sengwe’s ward 9 aimed to educate and involve communities in budgetary formulation, emphasizing the importance of citizen participation for inclusive governance and accountability.

Partinella Ngozo, who was facilitating the meeting on behalf of CVZ , stressed that “when people don’t participate, they forfeit their rights.” She taught the participants on the budget cycle as a way of making them understand how they can effectively contribute at every stage of the cycle.

Ward 9 Councillor Alderman Emmanuel Sibanda echoed this sentiment, noting that budget meetings affect every community member’s daily life. However, attendees raised concerns about input effectiveness and accessibility issues. Mrs. Moyo from Zhombe expressed frustration, saying, “I feel my voice doesn’t matter, especially in rural areas.”

The challenges hindering rural development in Zhombe are multifaceted. Lack of awareness about budget processes, accessibility issues with distant meeting locations, infrastructure challenges such as poor roads, and reluctance to pay the development levy due to lack of understanding all contribute to the difficulties faced by residents. To address these challenges, the government and stakeholders must prioritize inclusive governance, accountability, and community engagement.

Alderman Sibanda’s efforts to engage with residents demonstrate the importance of community-driven initiatives in addressing local challenges. As Zimbabwe strives for economic development, it is crucial that rural communities are not left behind. By addressing these concerns, the government can empower residents, promote sustainable development, and ensure rural communities receive the resources and support they need to thrive.

Councilor Sibanda encouraged residents to participate actively in budget meetings to ensure their concerns are addressed. “We need to make sure our residents are informed about budget processes and have the opportunity to contribute their ideas,” he said. The training provided valuable insights into the priorities of rural residents in Zhombe, highlighting the need for inclusive governance and accountability.