Councillor
A Councillor in Zimbabwe is an elected official who represents a ward in local government. Councillors are elected to local authorities and these elections are held concurrently with the election of MPs and President. After an election one of the elected councillors is elected to become the mayor. However, where an executive mayor is provided for, they have to be elected directly by registered voters in the local area.
Councillor Powers
Local authorities have the power to
- Make by-laws and other regulations necessary to administer their areas.
- Levy rates and taxes and can raise revenue to enable them to carry out their mandate.
Roles and Responsibilities
The responsibilities of councillors and the mayor are mainly to provide services within the local area. Such services include:
- Refuse collection
- Ensuring that grass on roadsides and verges is cut,
- Local roads are maintained
- Storm-drains are clear
- Streetlights are operational and clinics are well-equipped
