Online Reporter
Herald Reporter
LOCAL Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe has given underperforming local authorities 14 days to submit comprehensive turnaround strategies as Government intensifies efforts to improve governance, strengthen service delivery and address persistent operational shortcomings across the country.
The directive was issued at a meeting held in Harare today, which brought together mayors, chief executive officers and town clerks from struggling local authorities to assess the causes of poor performance and identify practical measures to improve service delivery.
The engagement forms part of the ministry’s broader efforts to strengthen local governance systems and ensure councils deliver quality services to residents.
Minister Garwe said the turnaround plans should clearly outline the challenges facing each local authority, proposed interventions and areas where support from the Ministry may be required.
He said the exercise would help identify institutional weaknesses, close performance gaps and establish a framework for sustainable improvement.
The Minister expressed concern over governance deficiencies affecting some local authorities, including illegal land allocation practices, commonly known as “Sabhuku deals”, and the activities of land barons.
He said such practices undermined sound governance, compromise orderly urban planning and negatively affect service delivery.
Minister Garwe urged local authorities to strengthen corporate governance systems, improve financial management and enhance revenue collection mechanisms to ensure they have adequate resources to fund infrastructure development and public services.
He said improving revenue generation remained critical to the viability of local authorities and their ability to meet residents’ expectations.
The turnaround strategies, he added, should help councils identify growth opportunities, improve operational efficiency and restore public confidence in local government institutions.
The meeting was attended by Local Government Deputy Minister Albert Tawanda Mavunga, Permanent Secretary Dr John Basera, senior Ministry officials and representatives from the affected local authorities.
Sidumisile Mabena