Don Makanyanga
Check-Point Correspondent
Government has barred local authorities with outstanding salary arrears from undertaking foreign trips, holding workshops outside their jurisdictions and purchasing vehicles for personal allocation as it moves to enforce financial discipline and protect workers’ welfare.
The measures, contained in Local Authorities Circular Number 9 of 2026 issued on October 20, come amid concern over councils accumulating salary arrears and failing to meet statutory obligations.
In the circular addressed to town clerks, town secretaries and chief executive officers, Permanent Secretary for Local Government and Public Works Engineer Tafadzwa Muguti said the situation was undermining employee welfare and service delivery.
“The Ministry has noted with serious concern that some local authorities have accumulated salary arrears spanning several months, together with outstanding statutory obligations.
“This situation is unacceptable, as it adversely affects the welfare and livelihoods of employees, undermines staff morale, compromises productivity, and ultimately impairs the capacity of Local Authorities to deliver essential services to residents,” said Eng Muguti.
Under the directives, councils with outstanding salary arrears will not be permitted to undertake foreign travel until they clear their obligations.
“Requests for foreign travel authorisation shall not be considered favourably where the concerned local authority has failed to meet its salary obligations,” said Eng Muguti.
Workshops, retreats and conferences must, where necessary, should be held within the respective council’s jurisdiction, subject to budget availability and operational necessity.
The Government has also prohibited affected councils from purchasing vehicles for personal allocation, personal use or as conditions of service for senior managers and other officers.
However, the restrictions do not cover vehicles and capital equipment required for essential service delivery and critical infrastructure operations.
“Local authorities experiencing salary and statutory obligation arrears may procure vehicles and capital equipment strictly required for essential service delivery and critical infrastructure operations.
“Such purchases must be demonstrably necessary, adequately justified, provided for in approved budgets, and undertaken in compliance with applicable procurement legislation and procedures,” said Eng Muguti
To address the mounting liabilities, affected councils have been directed to prepare time-bound financial recovery plans detailing outstanding debts, revenue collection strategies, expenditure controls and timelines for settling arrears.
The ministry warned that it would monitor compliance and could take administrative action against local authorities that fail to implement the directives.
“The Ministry will monitor compliance with this circular and may take appropriate administrative measures, within its statutory mandate, in respect of Local Authorities that fail to comply with these directives.
“All local authorities are therefore, directed to give this circular the utmost attention and ensure strict compliance,” he said.
