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The GOVERNMENT is working tirelessly to find solutions to alleviate the challenges being faced by local authorities.
This was said by the Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, Lameck Mudyiwa, in Harare yesterday.
Speaking during the project results dissemination workshop for the local governance project initiated by the Commonwealth Local Government Forum four years ago.
“The workshop comes at an opportune time when my Ministry is seized with finding policy and practical interventions to address the current challenges confronting our local authorities, both as local development agencies and service providers, under the National Development Strategy (NDS 1) and devolution framework.
“It is the contention of my Ministry, and Government that, if local authorities are supported to strengthen their institutional and fiscal capacity, are sustainably resourced through effective budgeting and Government fiscal support, and involve their communities in governance, then they will be able to provide inclusive quality services and lead in the socio-economic development of their areas.”
He said the transformation of local authorities’ administrative efficiency, revenue mobilisation and service delivery are necessary to improve service delivery of local authorities.
Harare Mayor, Councillor Jacob Mafume, commended local authorities for successfully implementing the project. The five-year project, which was introduced in 2018, is aimed at deliberating initiatives to transform local authorities to effectively lead the socio-economic development of local areas.
“I was adequately briefed that the project managed to harness results in three key areas – that is institutional and operational capacity building, enhanced citizen participation and promoting local economic development.
“As local authorities and implementing partners, we normally implement projects, but do not get an opportunity to share the results with other critical stakeholders.
“I am happy that, in this case, we have come to the stage of sharing the positive results that were attained during the implementation of this project,” the mayor said.
He urged local authorities, who benefited from the project, to maintain the results and make sure they are sustainable.
Out of 94 local authorities, 54 benefited from the Commonwealth Local Government Project. Commonwealth Local Governance Forum Secretary General, Lucy Slack, said the body will continue to support Zimbabwe in developing local authorities.
Slack urged representatives from the local authorities that benefited to continue implementing the project for the development of their communities.
“These results should be sustainable and make sure that development is continuous.
“I would also want to thank the Government of Zimbabwe, and other stakeholders who came on board, to implement this project,” said Slack.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter