Govt expects improved service delivery from new Harare council

Harare (New Ziana) – The government has high expectations that the newly installed Harare City council will improve service delivery, which reached its lowest point during the previous administration.

Harare Metropolitan Provincial Affairs and Devolution permanent secretary, Tafadzwa Muguti made the remarks when he addressed the inaugural meeting of the 59-member newly elected council at Town House on Monday.

The City of Harare has been struggling with poor waste management which has since been declared a state of national disaster to help mobilise resources to clear mountains of refuse that have sprung up in different parts of the city.

Other areas of concern are potable water supply, road rehabilitation, provision of decent housing, renovation of social amenities and poor administration many of whose officials have been arrested for mismanagement and corruption.

Muguti urged the councillors to take note of provisions of the Constitution and the Urban Councils Act, which place great importance on the local authorities to promote sound local governance and coordinate urban development to enhance the country’s socio-economic development.

“As government, we expect you to channel resources towards efficient service delivery,” he said.

“You all know the pain points and as such, this new council must make a difference and transform the lives of the residents of Harare. My office is open to work with the City of Harare for the achievement of outcomes that benefit the residents of Harare.”

The local authority’s books are in shambles with the previous council having failed to produce audited accounts while revenue collection also needs improvement.

“Zimbabwe is a unitary state with a three-tier government that is the national government, provincial and metropolitan councils. In view of the above it is important that inter-governmental relations are observed to ensure that the different levels of government work together effectively.

The devolution of governmental powers and authority ensures the recognition of local governments as legitimate and autonomous,” said Muguti, adding that under Section 264, provinces will be managing their own affairs, and able to utilise resources within their areas of jurisdiction for the benefit of their communities.

Muguti said the establishment of a more devolved or decentralised governance framework has received greater impetus under the Second Republic as were public institutions at provincial and district levels.

“My office drives the devolution agenda and we expect to work with Harare City Council in the achievement of the underlisted: provincial coordination, provincial economic development, infrastructure planning and development and environmental management.”

New Ziana