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Zimpapers Reporters
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa is today expected to launch the Minimum Service Delivery Standards Framework and the Urban State Land Management Policy in Bulawayo at a meeting to be attended by councillors and senior executives from the country’s 92 local authorities.
The Minimum Delivery Standards Framework is aimed at driving improved outcomes for transformed livelihoods in line with Vision 2030 targets while Urban State Land Management Policy is meant to guide councils on how to handle land issues.
The Ministry of Local Government and Public Works in conjunction with the Zimbabwe Local Government Association (ZILGA) is hosting the high-level meeting at the Zimbabwe International Conference and Exhibition Smart City (ZICES) whose outcome is expected to improve councils’ services delivery.
A total of 3 000 delegates who include councillors from across the country, Government ministers, senior Government officials and heads of parastatals will attend the event, the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works’ director of Corporate Communications and Advocacy, Mr Gabriel Masvora, said last night.
“The President will launch two policies as key highlights of the event,” he added.
Today’s interface is the second after President Mnangagwa met representatives of all local authorities in Harare in November 2023, leading to the launch of the blueprint: “A Call to Action. No Compromise on Service Delivery”.
This was the first stage of interventions by the Second Republic aimed at modernising the operations of local authorities towards Vision 2030.
Since then, local authorities have come up with roadmaps to guide them towards the attainment of the national vision while, on its part, the Government has developed minimum service delivery standards to guide local authorities.
Cabinet approved the minimum service standards for local authorities last month and these will serve as key guidelines towards improving service delivery in line with the national development aspirations.
These will also determine the minimum cost for the provision of services, provide uniformity and consistency in the provision of services at local level, and provide a basis upon which feedback on the level of satisfaction against the standards will be evaluated.
The Minimum Service Delivery Standards Framework places focus on water supply, sanitation, solid waste management, roads and public lighting, corporate governance, public health, environmental issues, and housing and community services.
The Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr Jenfan Muswere, recently highlighted that each area has performance indicators, benchmarks and performance standards.
“The data will be submitted online, with a real-time dashboard system being implemented to track, monitor and evaluate progress.
“The performance of local authorities, both urban and rural, will be based on assessments set in the minimum service delivery standards framework,” said Dr Muswere.
Speaking ahead of today’s gathering, Urban Councils Association of Zimbabwe (UCAZ) secretary-general Mr Livison Mutekede, said they were ready to meet President Mnangagwa and engage over a number of key issues meant to enhance service delivery.
“The crux of the interface is of course the launch of the Service Delivery Standards Framework, which was crafted through the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, as well as UCAZ.
“This will guide us as local authorities in terms of implementing our mandate. Councillors would also want to hear what the Head of State and Government has to say with regard to their welfare,” said Mr Mutekede.
During a heritage training workshop for Matabeleland North councillors held in Bulawayo early this year, Local Government and Public Works Minister, Daniel Garwe said councillors’ allowances had been reviewed to acceptable levels.
He also touched on the issue of housing stands, as well as a duty-free car import scheme, which were being looked into to improve conditions of service for councillors.
Today’s interface comes at a time when all local authorities executives have signed performance contracts meant to enhance service delivery.
