Local councils demands cut of IMF funds

Local councils demands cut of IMF funds

By Letwin Mubonesi

Urban Councils Association of Zimbabwe (UCAZ) president Josiah Makombe has announced that council authorities have resolved to confront the government demanding a share of the US$961 million International Monetary Fund (IMF) hand-out.  He said local authorities were entitled to the money under the devolution regulations.

Last month, Zimbabwe received US$961 million in Special Drawing Rights from IMF. The IMF’s largest ever distribution of monetary reserves will provide additional liquidity for the global economies in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The IMF support comes at a time Zimbabwe is trying to boost the performance of its productive sector which has been facing liquidity challenges as well as a improvement of state infrastructures.

Makombe said, “As UCAZ, we will claim a share of the US$961 million as part of the devolution agenda.

As you might be aware most urban councils are financially struggling and this has affected service provision to residents.

So getting a chunk from the US$961 million will boost operations of local authorities.”

Makombe urged citizens to play an active role in making sure the government is held accountable on how the US$961 million is used.

Gweru urban legislator Brian Dube said there was need for government to make the public aware of how it intended to disburse the funds.

“The money from IMF money falls under public resources and there is need for the finance minister to present a work plan on how the money is to be utilised,” Dube said.