Bright Zhou
Minister of Local Government and Public Works Winston Chitando has urged local authorities to improve service delivery and come up with strategies for implementation to achieve Vision 2030 of making Zimbabwe an upper-middle-income economy.
Chitando was addressing stakeholders at a local government strategic planning workshop held at Clevers Lakeview Hotel on November 23, 2023, where he urged local authorities to provide basic civil amenities to the residents and improve the quality of life for residents through better services, environmental and recreational facilities as well as cultural and social activities.
He said local authorities should work properly on infrastructure development to increase production and productivity across all sectors and to ensure the achievement of set targets and goals for the residents.
“Local authorities should increase infrastructural development and support to residents. They should work on developmental activities as we work towards becoming an upper-middle-income economy by 2030,” said Chitando.
Chitando went on to say he was optimistic that local authorities would expedite the foundational and phenomenal developments being experienced on all fronts.
Speaking at the same event, Association of Rural District Councils of Zimbabwe president Golden Aaron Shamu urged all local authorities to improve the living standards of ratepayers by using the local authority blueprint and use it for developmental programs and revival of councils.
“The launch of the local authorities’ blueprint on service delivery and development towards the attainment of vision 2030 by President Mnangagwa is a timely intervention that should anchor the rise of development to improve the living standards of residents,” said Shamu.
Shamu lamented the existence of land barons, saying land was supposed to be distributed equally to residents and said those responsible for housing were supposed to make sure that residents benefit fairly.
Makoni South Constituency legislator Albert Nyakuedzwa who sits in the parliamentary portfolio committee on Local Government, Public Works, and National Housing said local authorities apart from raising public awareness about the centrally sponsored schemes, local authorities should perform its obligatory functions such as water supply, drainage system, women and child development.
