By John Nhandara
THE Ministry of Local Government and Public Works has stressed the importance of youth participation in the affairs of local authorities.
Newly elected executive members of the National Junior Council have vowed to amplify the voice of the youths in the administration of local authorities and enactment of child-friendly by-laws.
The junior councillors, town clerks, chief executive officers and chairpersons of rural district councils from all the country’s 92 councils were attending a two-day junior council’s National Annual Forum which ended in the capital this Friday.
“We are particularly concerned with upholding children’s rights and many issues affecting the youths as this is also critical in improving service delivery,” said Maria Mushambi, Chitungwiza Municipality Junior Mayor.
Local Government and Publics works Minister Honourable July Moyo implored members of the junior council to harness their strategic plan in gender and disability mainstreaming as well as embracing ICT tools in transforming local authorities.
“A council is a comprehensive institution. We need you to embrace ICT for us to have smart cities and rural service centres. As youths you are the key drivers,” he said.
Meanwhile, local authorities have been compelled to come up with budgets for junior council activities and ensure the inclusion of youths in governance issues
