By Dylan Munashe Dzenga
Harare Correspondent
Portfolio Committee on Budget, Finance and Economic Development and Expanded Committee on Sustainable Development Goals is touring the country ensuring that every citizen gets a chance to share what they think would be beneficial as well as important to be included in the 2023 national budget.
Epworth Consultation meeting on the 2023 National Budget was held on the 3rd of October.
The meeting turnout was too high showing the level of concern from the citizens as to how national funds are handled.
Many people raised various important points that they want to be addressed in the 2023 national budget to improve the lifestyle of Zimbabwean citizens.
One resident indicated that the budget should significantly improve maternity care.
“We are short of equipment and other material to use in maternity care, there is also shortage of tags, gloves and we are also to bring our own matches and candles for lighting in some clinics,” one Epworth resident complained
Others indicated that the budget should also focus on the provision of sanitary wear for the girl child as most of them in the area cannot afford to buy some for themselves.
“This has posed many health problems for our young women and girls as they end up resorting to other unhygienic methods of preventing menstrual flow,” said Thelma
Amongst the issues raised at the meeting was the new education system and the challenges brought with it.
“Our education system has introduced CALAs and a lot of other activities that children have to do which are contributing to their final marks, we cannot afford all of that stuff so if the budget could also cater for the less privileged children, we would appreciate that, “ said Shelton Dzapasi, a resident in Epworth
The Committee continues to tour in all communities all over the country giving citizens an opportunity to contribute to the national budget planning.