Online Reporter
Nyore Madzianike
THE beautification of towns and cities is set to become mandatory under new plans being considered by the Government.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works Dr John Basera revealed the plans during a presentation at a recent working lunch focused on minimum service delivery standards and urban State land management policies.
The event was attended by Local Government Minister Daniel Garwe and the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Local Government, Public Works and National Housing.
Dr Basera said the proposals will, however, be subject to approved by Parliament.
“This is still proposed, by the way, and these are first priorities as we journey to NDS2 (National Development Strategy 2),” he said.
Beautification of cities and towns would entail tree planting and road markings, as well as cleaning public areas and infrastructure upgrades to enhance the country’s attractiveness.
The ministry, which is responsible for collecting rentals on behalf of the Government, plans to retain a portion of the generated revenue to support its departments and projects.
“We will be then engaging the Treasury on the concurrence to . . . reinvest 15 to 20 percent of collections from Government properties.
“And this one, I think we have almost won, but we still need your push and your help as we tackle our bid in the 2026 Budget cycle.
“We need to be pushing this agenda of reinvesting 15 to 20 percent of the collections, and then we are going to be having a statutory instrument to the same effect,” he said.
Modalities for implementation of the ambitious plans are being worked out.
Public spaces should always be clean and free from litter, graffiti and debris, with consistent waste collection and at least 90 percent compliance, added Dr Basera. The minimum service delivery standards require local authorities to hold a minimum of two community consultations annually to gather feedback on beautification initiatives.
The authorities are also expected to promote community participation in tree planting and clean-up campaigns.
The policy mandates that roads, sidewalks and public facilities meet the standards outlined in the Urban Councils Act and the Rural District Councils Act.
Urban renewal projects are expected to prioritise infrastructure improvements that enhance aesthetic appeal.
Local authorities are also required to implement a digital system to monitor beautification progress, including photographic documentation and citizen-submitted reports.
Quarterly progress reports must be submitted to the ministry.
“Local authorities should ensure beautification efforts involve women, youth and marginalised groups through targeted programmes.
“They should design safe and accessible public spaces for all demographics,” reads the minimum service delivery standards.
Dr Basera said almost all local authorities now have economic resource planning (ERP) systems, which provide tools for revenue collection.
