The parliamentary budget committee Monday started the 2013 budget consultation meetings with a low turnout in Marondera as residents in the Mashonaland East capital complained that they were not given enough time to attend the public sessions.
Less than 30 people attended the meeting but team leader and Makoni West legislator, Webber Chinyadza said they captured inputs from war veterans, farmers and others.
Chinyadza said the residents were worried about lack of government support in agricultural activities designed to boost the sector.
On the low turnout, he said it was unfortunate that many people did not seem to understand the role of parliament in the budget formulation process and opt to make submissions to treasury.
Treasury is expected to commence its own nationwide budget consultations Wednesday in Marondera.
Meanwhile, about 50 people attended the budget meeting in Chinhoyi, Mashonaland West.
Residents told the committee that the executive should minimize foreign trips as the economy cannot sustain such travels.
Abigail Sauti of Chikonohono high density suburb told the committee that the president’s motorcade should be drastically reduced.
Most people agreed that more money should be channeled towards reviving industries and the mining sector in order to create employment for youths.
Some participants said treasury should allocate more resources to local authorities in order to improve service delivery. Most cities are facing acute shortages of water.
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Report Filed By Irwin Chifera
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Report Filed By Taurai Shava
Parliamentary budget committee chairman Paddington Zhanda says budget consultation meetings are not all about the size of participants but quality contributions by members of the public and other stakeholders.
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Interview With Paddington Zhanda
Roderick Fayayo, director of the Progressive Residents Association said the budget consultation meetings are a waste of time for some local people.
