Minister challenges council to deliver

Innocent Ruwende Municipal Reporter
Local Government, Public Works and National Housing Minister July Moyo has challenged Harare City Council to improve on service delivery. He was speaking in a meeting with council committee chairpersons in Harare recently.

Minister Moyo told the councillors to up their game and deliver since they had the necessary legislative framework to collect revenue. The city is failing to provide basic services like clean and portable water, trafficable roads, refuse collection and lighting. Council blames the situation on defaulting ratepayers.

Harare mayor Councillor Bernard Manyenyeni is on record saying service delivery deficit at City of Harare was no longer news. Council is owed over $725 million by Government, business and residents. Clr Manyenyeni yesterday confirmed the closed door meeting with Minister Moyo.

“Among the minister’s insights are, as council we have to claim our constitutional space if necessary fight for it,” he said. “We have the necessary authority to collect revenues and to deliver services.”

MDC-T councillors stand accused of politicking at the expense of service delivery. The councillors are controlled from MDC-T head office at Harvest House and often make politicised decisions not in the best interest of residents of Harare.

Last month, Minister Moyo ordered Harare City Council to restore law and order in housing and land allocation. He urged council to address water shortages and avert an outbreak of diseases like cholera.