Terrence Mawawa, Zaka

A Masvingo based Non Governmental Organisation, Community Tolerance Reconciliation and Development(COTRAD), has called on public officials to be transparent and accountable in their conduct.

Speaking at a feedback meeting facilitated by COTRAD in Zaka last week, ward 19 residents acknowledged the responsiveness of local leaders to the community’s social accountability demands, as the Zaka Rural District Council prioritized the refurbishment of Magwede Bridge.

The bridge was revamped with the plough back funds disbursed by Zaka RDC.

The social audit conducted by Community Tolerance Reconciliation and Development (COTRAD) Action for Accountability Groups (AAGs) has revealed that service delivery has been severely hampered by poor road networks.

The community engagement meetings facilitated by COTRAD between villagers and public officials helped Zaka residents to press for the rehabilitation of Magwede Bridge and the resuscitation of dilapidated roads.

Zaka Central Constituency ward 19 Councillor, Peter Imbayarwo highlighted that, Zaka RDC managed to rehabilitate the Magwede Bridge which links Jerara Growth Point with Mushayavanhu, Magwede, Chipezeze, Chisinde, Mukachana and Marare Villages.

“As public officials we encourage all villagers to pay their development levy contributions in time so that the council will have sufficient resources to improve service delivery and community development,” said Imbayarwo.

“COTRAD maintains that it is the role of public officials and Rural District Councils to pay attention to social service delivery and infrastructure development concerns raised by the people in their districts.

It is enshrined in section 276 (1) of the Constitution that, the rural district councils should raise sufficient funds for them to carry out objectives and responsibilities in areas of their jurisdiction.

COTRAD also encourages villagers to engage public officials and relevant Ministries to present issues affecting their communities,” said COTRAD in a statement.