Itai Mazire
Underperforming local authorities have been given a strict 14-day deadline to submit comprehensive turnaround strategies, as Local Government Minister Hon. Daniel Garwe cracks the whip on councils crippled by governance rot and poor service delivery.
Hon. Garwe convened a high-level meeting with Chief Executive Officers, Mayors and Town Clerks from struggling municipalities to assess challenges affecting their performance and map a way forward for improved service delivery.
The Harare meeting provided an opportunity for local authorities to undertake self-assessment, identify the root causes of poor performance and propose practical solutions to address existing challenges.
The engagement forms part of the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to strengthen local governance and improve service delivery across the country.
Hon. Garwe directed the affected authorities to submit comprehensive turnaround strategies within 14 days, with plans expected to outline the challenges faced by each authority, proposed interventions and areas where support from the Ministry may be required.
He said the exercise would assist in identifying institutional weaknesses and creating a framework for sustainable improvement.
Hon. Garwe expressed grave concern over governance challenges plaguing some local authorities, including illegal land allocation practices commonly referred to as “Sabhuku deals” and the activities of land barons.
He noted that such practices undermine good governance, compromise planning processes and negatively affect service delivery.
He urged local authorities to embrace sound corporate governance principles, strengthen financial management systems and improve revenue collection mechanisms.
He emphasised that enhanced revenue generation is critical for funding infrastructure development and delivering quality services to residents.
Hon. Garwe said the turnaround strategies should help local authorities identify performance gaps, unlock growth opportunities and implement practical measures to improve operational efficiency and restore public confidence.
Encouraging a renewed commitment to development, Hon. Garwe challenged local authorities to adopt a results-oriented approach.
“Let us wear new jackets of development and develop our local authorities.”
The meeting was attended by the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, Dr John Basera, the Deputy Minister, Hon. Albert Tawanda Mavunga, senior Ministry officials and representatives from the underperforming local authorities.
The Ministry of Local Government and Public Works remains committed to supporting local authorities in implementing reforms that promote accountability, strengthen governance and accelerate socio-economic development in line with the national development agenda.
