Staff Reporter
President Mnangagwa yesterday urged local authorities to focus on enhancing service delivery, rooting out corruption, and improving grassroots governance during the official opening of the 2024 Zimbabwe Local Government Association (ZILGA) Annual Indaba in Harare.
Addressing over 2 000 councilors from 92 local authorities, the President emphasized the pivotal role of local governance in national development.
“All Local Authorities, urban or rural, big or small, remain an integral cog of the local governance system,” President Mnangagwa stated.
He called for unity among councils to collaborate and share experiences for the benefit of the nation.
“You should, therefore, operate in unison, always collaborating, sharing experiences and sharpening yourselves towards responsive policy-making at the grassroots level for the benefit of our beloved motherland, Zimbabwe,” he said.
The President commended local authorities for milestones achieved under the “A Call to Action, No Compromise to Service Delivery” blueprint, launched in 2023.
The milestones include the development of masterplans, property valuations, and improved revenue performance.
However, he emphasized the need to build on these successes by addressing critical infrastructure gaps, particularly through initiatives such as the Nhimbe/Ilima Road Rehabilitation Programme.
“Local Authorities are challenged to focus and timely address the identified priorities, needs, and challenges of our people,” President Mnangagwa stressed.
The President also applauded small and medium enterprises (SMEs) for their role in “busting illegal sanctions” and empowering local economies.
He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to constructing modern and safe workspaces, including the ongoing Mbare Traders Market modernization project, as part of the broader urban renewal and regeneration agenda.
In a stern warning, President Mnangagwa highlighted concerns over corruption in local governance and other sectors.
“Those perpetrating such acts must face the full wrath of our country’s law. No one, including Local Authorities, will be spared. Let us root out this menace from our society,” he declared, urging councils to remain transparent and accountable.
As Zimbabwe enters the 2024/2025 rainfall season, the President urged all tiers of Government to prioritize disaster risk management in the face of climate change.
He pointed to recent extreme weather events in Masvingo, Mberengwa, and Harare as reminders of the need for readiness.
The President called on local authorities to ensure that the Devolution and Decentralization Agenda remains anchored on community participation and project ownership at the grassroots level.
“Both urban and rural councils must deliver. Allstakeholders, at every level, and local leadership should prioritize regular consultations with the people. No one and no place must be left behind,” he said.
Highlighting the importance of ideological alignment within local governance, President Mnangagwaapplauded the partnership between the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works and the Chitepo School of Ideology in training mayors, council chairpersons, and executives.
“This initiative seeks to advance our shared national vision, interests, and priorities within the public sector, as enshrined in our national Constitution,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Indaba is expected to set the tone for crafting people-centered development plans and budgets for 2025.
