By Nigel Pfunde
Harare- The Government has issued a strict directive banning local authorities that owe workers’ salaries and fail to meet statutory obligations from undertaking foreign trips, hosting out-of-town retreats, or acquiring luxury vehicles.
The crackdown comes amid growing concerns over mounting financial liabilities, unpaid municipal staff, and declining basic service delivery across several cash-strapped councils. Under the new measures, local authorities must submit comprehensive financial recovery plans detailing their total liabilities, salary arrears, outstanding obligations, and clear debt-clearance strategies before any funding or travel applications are reviewed.
In an official circular, Local Government and Public Works Permanent Secretary Tafadzwa Muguti emphasized that foreign travel requests will be rejected for non-compliant local authorities.
”No foreign travel, no council with salary arrears will be allowed to undertake foreign travel,” Muguti warned.
He urged council administrators to maintain strict financial governance, instructing Town Clerks and Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) to prioritize employee welfare and essential municipal services over administrative perks.
”Town Clerks and CEOs must exercise firm financial discipline and prioritize workers over non-essential travel and personal benefits,” Muguti stated. “The Ministry will monitor compliance and may take appropriate administrative measures within its statutory mandate against those who fail to comply.”
In addition to foreign travel restrictions, councils owing money have been instructed to hold necessary workshops exclusively within their own jurisdictions and refrain from purchasing cars for senior management until all salary arrears and statutory debts are fully settled. Local authorities are now required to demonstrate that all proposed expenditures are necessary, fully justified, and supported by available municipal revenue before embarking on discretionary spending.
