Harare, (New Ziana) – The government has directed local government authorities to drastically reduce participation in non-essential workshops and conferences, and instead channel scarce resources towards improving service delivery and addressing operational challenges.
In a memo issued on Friday, permanent secretary in the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, John Basera, expressed concern over the growing number of institutions and entities organizing conferences and workshops targeting local authorities mainly for fundraising purposes.
He said the trend was placing unnecessary financial pressure on councils at a time when many local authorities are already grappling with depressed revenue inflows and mounting service delivery demands.
“It has been noted with concern that some institutions and entities are organizing workshops and conferences targeting local authorities primarily for their fundraising purposes,” he said.
Basera stressed that councils must prioritize the use of available resources towards operational needs and improving services for residents instead of spending on activities with little practical value.
“Considering the current challenges facing local authorities, particularly depressed revenue collection and the need to prioritize efficient service delivery, it is imperative that available resources be directed towards operational and service delivery-related activities,” he said.
He urged councils to minimize attendance at events that do not directly contribute to improved governance, infrastructure development, or public service delivery outcomes.
“In this regard, local authorities are advised to minimize participation in non-essential workshops, conferences, and similar events that do not directly contribute to improved service delivery standards or our collective call to action,” he said.
Basera further warned local authorities against supporting arrangements by third-party organizations that require councils to purchase tables, pay conference fees, accommodation costs, and other related expenses without tangible returns for communities.
“Local authorities should not support or tolerate arrangements by third-party entities requiring the purchase of tables, payment of conference fees, accommodation costs, and related expenditures which offer limited or no tangible value to service delivery outcomes,” he said.
The directive, which takes immediate effect and remains in force until further notice, is expected to tighten expenditure controls within local authorities and reinforce Government’s broader push for accountability, prudent financial management, and improved service delivery.
The move comes as many councils continue to battle challenges ranging from inadequate water supply, poor road infrastructure, refuse collection backlogs, and aging sewer systems, amid constrained financial resources and growing urban populations.
New Ziana
