Online Reporter
Trust Freddy-Herald Correspondent
GOVERNMENT has committed to finalising the Provincial and Metropolitan Councils Administration Bill, which seeks to establish a comprehensive legal framework for devolution in Zimbabwe by the end of the first quarter of next year.
The pledge was made in Harare yesterday at a meeting where Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi and his Local Government and Public Works counterpart Daniel Garwe addressed provincial councillors, who have expressed growing frustration over delays in enacting the Bill.
Referred to Cabinet for guidance in December 2024, the Bill is designed to provide the necessary operational clarity for Provincial Councils to effectively execute their constitutional mandates.
Minister Ziyambi informed councillors that significant progress had been made in aligning existing laws with the Constitution, but urged patience to avoid legislative flaws.
“It’s better to delay, and no blame comes to you and us, and we create a law that will allow you to work smoothly,” he said.
“As political leaders, we must accept that our responsibility is to serve our community. For now, hold your horses and allow our legal team to complete their work.
“I commit to instructing them to expedite their efforts and even shorten their Christmas holiday.”
Once enacted, this law will provide a full legal and institutional framework for how provincial councils operate, coordinate development within their provinces, and interface with local authorities and the central Government.
Minister Garwe confirmed that the delay was necessary to ensure the Bill is a “proper homegrown Bill” and not merely adopted from other administrations.
“I am happy to announce that in the first quarter of 2026, this Bill will be targeted, and we have covered almost 90 percent of the areas that have gaps,” he said.
“We gathered here today to update the councillors, as they were getting agitated and anxious. They were unsure if the Bill was still being addressed or if it had died a long time ago.
“So, we have given them the assurance from the Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs that their concerns are being addressed.”
Minister Garwe advised councillors to use the remaining time to prepare for their roles and to familiarise with the principles of good governance.
He also called on them to engage with their stakeholders and begin to identify the opportunities and challenges in their provinces.
This initiative aligns with President Mnangagwa’s vision of “leaving no one and no place behind”, which is made tangible through the devolution agenda.
The effort entails transferring powers and responsibilities from the central Government to provincial and local authorities, thereby bringing governance closer to the people and promoting equitable development across the nation.
At the event, Cde Sabao Costain, a provincial councillor from Mashonaland Central who spoke on behalf of his colleagues, said they were pleased with the inaugural engagement and believe it is the beginning of a new era in “our local government architecture”.
“As we transition into NDS2, we believe it is the opportune time to contribute meaningfully to the welfare of our great motherland, Zimbabwe,” he said.
