Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo
THE Ministry of Local Government and Public Works has approved 90 out of 92 budget estimates submitted by local authorities for the 2026 financial year, with only two councils yet to meet the required standards.
In a notice on the outcome of the budget assessment process, the Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Daniel Garwe, said the review was conducted thoroughly to ensure compliance with the law and to safeguard service delivery across the country.
“Of the 92 local authorities in Zimbabwe, 90 have had their 2026 budgets approved, some with conditions to strengthen areas that required improvement,” said Minister Garwe. He said Rushinga Rural District Council is yet to submit its budget, while Bikita Rural District Council’s budget was rejected on the basis that it was uneconomic and would have adversely affected service delivery.
He said the Ministry, working through District Development Coordinators, will provide technical support to the affected councils to address the identified gaps and ensure that compliant and implementable budgets are submitted.
Minister Garwe said the 2026 budget review process was conducted at provincial level by multidisciplinary teams comprising officials from various Government departments and experts from institutions of higher learning.
“This approach ensured that all budgets are aligned with the Constitution and relevant legislation, notably the Rural District Councils Act and the Urban Councils Act. Our mandate is to ensure that local authorities operate within the confines of the law while delivering quality services to residents,” said Minister Garwe.
The Minister added that the approval framework incorporated measures to ensure the gradual implementation of Minimum Service Delivery Standards (MSDS) by all councils.
“We are now moving towards standardising service delivery across the country. The rollout of Minimum Service Delivery Standards is critical in improving water provision, waste management, road maintenance and other essential services. The Ministry will conduct outreach programmes to support councils in implementing these standards,” said Minister Garwe.
