HARARE, Jun. 4 (NewsDay Live) - HARARE Residents Trust (HRT’s) director, Precious Shumba has challenged civil society organisations, churches, residents' associations, academics and progressive government officials to lobby for a comprehensive Act of Parliament to operationalise devolution.
In a statement posted on his social media account, Shumba said the country still lacks a comprehensive Act of Parliament for the past 13 years.
"More than a decade after the adoption of the Constitution, the country still lacks a comprehensive Act of Parliament to operationalise devolution."
"This delay has created serious governance gaps, weakened local democracy and undermined the constitutional aspirations of citizens who voted for a devolved system of governance," he said.
Shumba added that the absence of an enabling legal framework has created uncertainty over the roles of Ministers and Secretaries of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution in relation to constitutionally established provincial and metropolitan councils.
"The Constitution establishes Provincial and Metropolitan Councils, yet it does not clearly define the powers, responsibilities and relationships of these centrally appointed officials within the devolved governance structure," he said.
Shumba’s remarks come amid debates on local governance reforms, including concerns over the proposed role of executive mayors and the need for stronger institutional checks and balances within local authorities.
- Cars up for grabs in batteries competition
- Harare residents threaten mass protests against Pomona deal
- Harare residents threaten mass protests against Pomona deal
- Harare residents threaten mass protests against Pomona deal
