Local authorities have failed to reach their performance targets, as the government expresses growing concern over the poor results, NewsDay can reveal.

Among 32 urban local councils, none achieved their established goals, with 16% performing below the recommended standards. Similarly, all 62 rural district councils missed their targets, with 8% falling significantly short of expected benchmarks.

Speaking to mayors and town clerks at the 2024 performance review held in Harare last Friday, Minister of Local Government and Public Works Daniel Garwe urged city officials to prioritize city cleanliness. This directive follows President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s expressed dissatisfaction with the untidy state of Mbare during the Defence Forces commemorations at Rufaro Stadium the previous Wednesday.

Garwe described the recent performance data as a serious wake-up call for both local authorities and his ministry. He emphasized collective accountability, stating that everyone appointed to these roles answers to the President and must work together to address these challenges.

The minister highlighted the need for stricter enforcement of bylaws against littering, leveraging municipal police resources to ensure cleaner environments. He called on councillors and government employees to set aside political differences and focus on improving local governance without distractions from election-related disputes.

The government remains committed to its strategy of banning the import and sale of second-hand clothing and curbing night vending activities as part of broader efforts to improve urban management.

“Cleanliness starts in the mind,” Garwe said, urging communities to embrace integrity and urgency in their efforts. He pledged ongoing support from the ministry but stressed that real transformation happens at council and community levels, contributing to the nation’s Vision 2030 goals.

Garwe also announced plans to enact legislation banning second-hand clothing imports, arguing that the country should not be characterized by street vendors selling used garments.

Local Government and Public Works Secretary John Bhasera echoed the call for improved service delivery, noting the alarming statistics: none of the 32 urban councils met their targets, with 63% performing below expectations but within acceptable ranges, and 16% falling outside those limits. Rural councils reflected similar trends, with none meeting targets, 55% below target but within tolerances, and 8% significantly underperforming.

Bhasera stressed that these trends must be reversed to achieve better service outcomes and urged all officials to commit to improving local government performance.

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