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MATABELELAND North Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Richard Moyo has issued a stern warning to underperforming local authorities in the province, urging them to prioritise service delivery and improve accessibility. Minister Moyo’s remarks came during a high-level meeting with council chairpersons, chief executive officers, and senior officials at the Mhlahlandlela Government Complex in Bulawayo.
The meeting, which focused on addressing critical service delivery challenges, highlighted the province’s struggle with revenue collection and its impact on public services. Minister Moyo expressed deep concern over the failure of most local authorities to meet even 50 percent of their revenue targets, a situation he said was severely compromising service delivery.
He criticised local authorities for being inaccessible, particularly to potential investors. He revealed that efforts to attract investment into Matabeleland North were being undermined by the uncooperative attitude of some councils.
“We go out of the country to court investors, and they express interest in our province. However, when we return, local authorities become difficult to access. It’s as if we went on a holiday, which is unacceptable,” Minister Moyo said.
The meeting served as a platform to address these issues and chart a way forward for improved governance and service delivery in the province. Minister Moyo urged council leaders to be more proactive, transparent, and accountable in their operations, stressing that the province’s development depended on their commitment to excellence.
