By Silibaziso Dlodlo
THE Government has called on local authorities to prioritise accountability and measurable service delivery outcomes, warning that leadership performance will increasingly be judged by the lived experiences of citizens as Zimbabwe intensifies efforts to achieve Vision 2030.
The call was made during the Local Authorities Contracts Validation Workshop held in Bulawayo on Tuesday, which brought together mayors, chairpersons, town clerks, secretaries and chief executive officers from councils across the country.
Addressing the gathering, the Minister of Local Government and Public Works stressed that service delivery remains the core and non-negotiable mandate of all local authorities, underscoring the need for results-oriented leadership and disciplined execution.
“Service delivery remains the non-negotiable mandate of every local authority. The expectations of the Ministry, government, and, most importantly, citizens are legitimate and clear. Local authorities exist to deliver services efficiently, lawfully, and sustainably. Our mandate spans water supply and wastewater management, solid waste collection and disposal, including segregation at source and recycling road infrastructure, environmental protection, civil protection against climate-related hazards, and social protection for vulnerable communities. These are matters of public health, safety, and dignity, and they demand competent leadership and disciplined execution,” he said.
Bulawayo Metropolitan Province Mayor, David Coltart, said citizens remain the ultimate measure of council performance, emphasising that service delivery failures are immediately felt at household level.
“We can talk about delivering water or improving roads in vague terms, but residents know when they cannot access water from their taps or when roads are impassable. They know when sewerage systems are dysfunctional in their homes. Residents are the ultimate judges, particularly of those elected to serve them. Validating contracts is critical to ensuring management remains accountable and focused on measurable outcomes,” he said.
Harare Metropolitan Province Mayor, Jacob Mafume, welcomed the government’s position, noting that it aligns with national development priorities.
“We heard and welcomed the address from Honourable Minister Garwe, echoing President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s vision of developing cities and providing citizens with proper living arrangements across the country. We remain committed to improving living standards for all,” he said.
The workshop forms part of the “Call to Action: No Compromise on Service Delivery” blueprint launched by President Emmerson Mnangagwa in November 2023, which seeks to modernise local authorities, strengthen accountability, and accelerate the delivery of quality services as Zimbabwe advances towards Vision 2030.
