The Government has issued a directive ordering all 92 local authorities across Zimbabwe to immediately suspend workshops, cut down on foreign travel, and tighten control over the use of council pool vehicles as part of a nationwide expenditure reduction initiative.
In a circular addressed to mayors and council chairpersons, the Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Daniel Garwe, said the decision is part of Treasury’s broader strategy to promote prudent spending and improve accountability within local authorities.
“The Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, aware of its oversight responsibility over councils, has put in place expenditure containment measures aligned with Treasury’s rationalisation programme,” the circular stated.
Workshops Limited to Core Business Only
According to the new directive, all council workshops are suspended with immediate effect, except those directly tied to strategic planning or budget formulation. Even then, such meetings must be held within each respective local authority’s jurisdiction to minimise costs.
Garwe’s ministry also restricted foreign trips to those fully funded by host institutions. Any official travelling abroad under these conditions must submit a comprehensive report within seven working days of returning to Zimbabwe.
Council Vehicles Under Watch
The circular further ordered local authorities to closely monitor the use of pool vehicles, cautioning against abuse or non-essential use of council cars. Municipalities are required to establish internal monitoring systems to ensure adherence to the new rules.
The directive is part of government’s ongoing effort to curb financial indiscipline in councils, many of which have been accused of excessive spending on travel, workshops, and perks while failing to deliver essential services to residents.
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