The Bulawayo City Council recently approved the procurement of boarding tuck food and personal care items worth up to US$500 for children at the first lady Auxillia Mnangagwa Children’s Home in Chiredzi.
The decision followed a request from the Urban Councils Association of Zimbabwe, asking local authorities to assist vulnerable children in boarding care.
“This important initiative ensures that vulnerable children receive adequate sustenance and essential hygiene products throughout the school term,” read part of the correspondence.
The handover of the donated items was scheduled for May 9, 2026 at Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa Children’s Home in Chiredzi, with travel dates set for May 8 and 10, 2026.
But concerns are growing over the increasing number of demands from central government placing strain on council resources already stretched thin by failing water and sewer infrastructure.
This is not the first time council has been asked to fund national functions.
Lately, the council has been overwhelmed by government requests to contribute toward Independence Day preparations in Maphisa, Matabeleland South, specifically requiring bricks, yellow equipment, and even cattle.
In January, the Ministry of Local Government asked the council to donate five beasts, two three-tonne bags of mealie meal, and 200 litres of cooking oil for the Independence celebrations.
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The ministry had earlier argued that agreeing to such requests “would serve as a positive example for other local authorities” and enhance the council’s relationship with the Central Government.
Councillor Donaldson Mabuto raised concerns, noting that the central government had already allocated ZiG 14 million for the event.
“Central government had allocated ZiG 14 million for these celebrations. This amount was adequate to cater for the requirements. Local authorities had been requested to donate building materials, machinery and food items,” read the minutes.
“Currently most local authorities were struggling with services that needed funding, these included roads, water, sewer, and many others. The road exiting the city to Maphisa Kezi required rehabilitation and repairs.”
Mabuto urged the government to approach individual business people instead, pointing to recent sprees of cash and vehicle donations by private sector figures.
But some residents have questioned why ratepayer money is being directed to national causes while city suburbs such as Cowdray Park drown in raw sewage and roads crumble.
