Harare, Zimbabwe – Local Government and Public Works Minister, Daniel Garwe, has called for reconciliation and unity between his ministry and Parliament’s portfolio committee on Local Government, urging all parties to put aside mistrust for the sake of national progress.
Speaking at an interactive working lunch focused on unpacking the Minimum Service Delivery Standards and the Urban State Land Management Policy, Minister Garwe appealed to legislators to adopt a non-partisan approach in their oversight role.
“We apologise for any mistakes made in the past, and we also forgive where we were wronged. It is time to move forward together, focusing on our mandate to serve the people of Zimbabwe,” he said.
Garwe emphasized that effective service delivery was central to the ministry’s mandate, stressing the need for both his office and parliamentarians to align their efforts with President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s vision of transforming Zimbabwe into an upper middle-income economy by 2030.
“Our duty requires us to be apolitical. We must unite and work towards the President’s call for progress. By doing so, we will achieve our collective goal of a clean, well-organized, and modern country,” he added.
The minister also assured legislators that his ministry is working tirelessly to restore order and efficiency in local authorities nationwide.
Going forward, the performance of both urban and rural councils will be evaluated based on benchmarks set out in the Minimum Service Delivery Standards. These assessments will determine whether councils qualify for performance awards or require corrective measures.
Garwe also highlighted the significance of the Urban State Land Management Policy, which was recently launched by President Mnangagwa in Bulawayo.
“The policy provides a comprehensive framework for managing urban state land at a time when demand for land in cities and towns is growing rapidly. It is designed to promote sustainable urban growth, protect citizens from fraudulent land transactions, and curb urban sprawl,” he said.
According to Garwe, the policy seeks to ensure orderly development, equitable access to land, and the optimal use of resources for the benefit of all Zimbabweans. Key objectives include:
- Improving health, safety, and overall quality of life in urban communities.
- Eliminating land barons and safeguarding citizens against fraudulent land deals.
- Promoting orderly, sustainable development in fast-growing urban centres.
The minister concluded by urging unity, saying the country’s progress hinges on collective effort and a shared commitment to service delivery.
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