Government Cracks Down on Local Authorities’ Extravagant Spending
IN a bid to rein in unnecessary expenditure, the government has ordered all 92 local authorities to suspend council workshops, restrict foreign travel, and regulate the use of pool vehicles.
Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe announced the measures in a circular addressed to all mayors and council chairpersons, saying they are part of a broader effort to strengthen accountability and ensure that local government funds are directed toward improving essential services.
“The Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, cognisant of its oversight responsibility on local authorities, has developed expenditure containment measures for local authorities, in conformity with Treasury’s broader expenditure rationalisation agenda,” Garwe said in an interview.
The minister emphasised that the primary responsibility of local authorities remains the delivery of basic services to residents, and performance evaluations will be based on the newly introduced Minimum Service Delivery Standards.
“All planning, budgeting, and implementation efforts must be aligned with the Minimum Service Delivery Standards, which shall serve as the benchmark for performance assessment going forward,” Garwe said.
The measures include:
- Suspension of all council workshops, except those directly linked to strategic plans and budgets, which must take place within each council’s jurisdiction
- Foreign travel only approved if fully funded by the host or inviting institution, with a detailed post-mission report submitted to the Ministry within seven working days
- Tightened control over pool vehicles, with councils warned against unauthorised or non-essential use
Garwe said the move is aimed at eliminating wasteful spending across all tiers of government and ensuring that local authorities prioritise the delivery of essential services such as water, waste management, and roads.
“The central thrust of your mandate is the provision of core services to communities,” he said. “We expect all local authorities to adhere to these measures and focus on delivering quality services to residents.”
