Elected councils must engage residents

Dear Editor

AS local government elections (LGE) approach, it is my wish that the newly installed councils understand that the dignity of people matters, and hence citizens’ involvement and participation in their development is of critical importance.It is constitutional that, within this vital aspect of democracy, local government is organized to involve as many people as possible in the task of managing and developing their communities. I would therefore suggest that the contesting candidates reorient themselves with the legislation governing local government (such as the Municipal and Town Councils Act of 1998 – Chapter 28:01; Local Government Act of 1977 – Chapter 28:02 [Local Government (Amendment) Act 2015; Public Health Ordinance, among others) to ensure that they are prepared to confront the arduous task that is ahead.

Also, it is hoped that, after LGE, regular community meetings will be held and residents will have the opportunity to actively participate in discussions on pertinent issues relevant to their communities’ needs and developmental potential, and have a say in the mechanisms through which services would be delivered.

I wish to see, also, community residents being provided with feedback, by their elected representatives, of all final decisions made at the council level. Additionally, I hope that when our elected representatives speak of consultation, it would be implemented WITH the people, FOR the people, and BY the people.

Elected representatives must always keep at the back of their minds that the “engagement of residents is a form of empowerment, and is necessary for the restoration of communities”. Transparency, accountability, camaraderie, inclusiveness must be the new order of the day. There is much work to be done, and all hands must be on deck.

The democratically renewed councils will need our help if we are to truly restore our communities and begin to enjoy the good life that has been promised to us.
Yours faithfully,
TYRONE FITZHERBERT

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