Online Reporter
Gibson Mhaka-Bulawayo Bureau
LOCAL authorities play a critical role in advancing access to quality education through infrastructure development, service delivery and integrated community planning, Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe, has said.
In a speech read on his behalf by the Ministry’s Director for Bulawayo Metropolitan Province, Mrs Tswagai Fikile Marovatsanga, at the ongoing Fourth Edition of the National Education Summit Zimbabwe (NESZ) 2026 at Lakeside Events Centre on the outskirts of Bulawayo along Plumtree Road, Minister Garwe said modern, inclusive and resilient education systems cannot be achieved without strong local governance and sustainable infrastructure investment.
The four-day summit, running under the theme “From Policy to Practice: Driving Innovation and Investment in Zimbabwe’s Education System,” has attracted about 3 000 delegates from Government ministries, the education sector, development partners, financiers, private sector players and international organisations.
Minister Garwe said education remained central to national transformation, economic growth and sustainable development.
“Education remains one of the most powerful instruments for national transformation, social mobility, innovation and sustainable development,” he said.
“No nation can attain meaningful industrialisation, economic growth or modernisation without investing deliberately and consistently in its people through quality education.”
The minister said the education sector does not operate in isolation and requires strong collaboration with local governance systems and infrastructure planning.
“As the ministry responsible for local government and public works, we recognise that the education sector does not operate in isolation,” he said.
“Strong and resilient educational systems are intrinsically linked to effective local governance, modern infrastructure, spatial planning and sustainable community development.”
Minister Garwe said local authorities provide the physical and institutional environment necessary for schools and communities to function effectively.
“Local authorities across Zimbabwe play a pivotal role in supporting the education ecosystem,” he said.
“From roads, water supply, sanitation, housing, waste management and public health services to land allocation for educational facilities and infrastructure development, local authorities are indispensable partners in advancing access to quality education.”
Minister Garwe said his ministry continues encouraging local authorities to mainstream educational infrastructure in local development and master plans to improve access to learning opportunities.
“Our ministry continues to encourage local authorities to mainstream educational infrastructure within local development plans and master plans so that no child is left behind due to inadequate access to learning facilities,” he said.
The minister highlighted the impact of the Government’s devolution and decentralisation programme in strengthening education delivery across communities.
“Through the devolution and decentralisation programme, several local authorities have successfully utilised devolution funds to construct new schools and expand existing educational facilities in response to growing community needs,” said Minister Garwe.
“These investments are already yielding positive outcomes by improving access to education, reducing travel distances for learners and creating more conducive learning environments, particularly in previously underserved areas.” Beyond school construction, Minister Garwe said local authorities were also using devolution resources to improve supporting infrastructure critical to teaching and learning.
