Zimbabwe Updates

Tag: Ministry of Local Government and Public Works

  • Urban State Land Notice Cancelled Days After Issuance

    Urban State Land Notice Cancelled Days After Issuance

    The Ministry of Local Government and Public Works has withdrawn a notice that had directed beneficiaries of Urban State Land to regularise outstanding obligations within three months, saying the directive is now null and void pending the release of a revised communication.

    In a press statement issued on 23 July 2026, the Ministry announced that the notice titled “Notice to All Allottees of Urban State Land,” dated 21 July 2026, had been withdrawn with immediate effect following an administrative review.

    “The Ministry of Local Government and Public Works advises that the Press Statement titled ‘Notice to All Allottees of Urban State Land’, dated 21 July 2026, is hereby withdrawn with immediate effect following an administrative review,” the statement reads.

    The Ministry further advised all stakeholders to disregard the earlier notice until a revised communication is issued through its official channels.

    “Accordingly, the notice is null and void, and all stakeholders are advised to disregard it pending the issuance of a revised communication through the Ministry’s official channels.”

    The Ministry also expressed regret for any inconvenience caused but did not explain the reasons behind the administrative review or indicate when the revised statement would be released.

    The withdrawn notice had sought to compel beneficiaries of Urban State Land—including individuals, housing cooperatives, private developers, companies and institutions—to fulfil outstanding obligations attached to their land allocations.

    According to the original statement, Government had expressed concern over what it described as continued failure by some beneficiaries to comply with the conditions of their allocations. These included settling outstanding land purchase prices and statutory charges, surrendering and transferring commonage stands and other land due to Government, and complying with other contractual obligations stipulated in allocation documents and development agreements.

    Withdrawn: The Ministry of Local Government and Public Works has rescinded its notice to Urban State Land allottees, saying the directive is null and void following an administrative review. A revised communication will be issued through official channels.

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    The Ministry had argued that failure to meet these obligations was undermining orderly urban development, prejudicing Government interests and delaying the provision of essential infrastructure and public services such as schools, health facilities, recreational amenities and other community services.

    To address the issue, the Ministry had granted defaulting beneficiaries a final three-month grace period to regularise their obligations. It had also warned that failure to comply within that period would result in legal and administrative action, including cancellation of land allocations, repossession of allocated land, recovery of outstanding amounts owed to Government and any other remedies available under the law.

    However, with Thursday’s withdrawal, those measures are no longer in force.

    The Ministry has advised beneficiaries and other stakeholders to await a revised communication that will outline Government’s position following the completion of the administrative review.

    The development comes amid ongoing Government efforts to improve compliance in the administration of Urban State Land and ensure transparency, accountability and orderly urban development across the country.

  • Government Intensifies Fight Against Drug and Substance Abuse

    Government Intensifies Fight Against Drug and Substance Abuse

    The Government has reaffirmed its commitment to combating drug and substance abuse by equipping public servants with the knowledge and skills needed to prevent, identify and respond to the growing challenge.

    This comes as the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works is conducting a two-day Drug and Substance Abuse Prevention and Management training at Chinhoyi Showground for officials from Head Office and Mashonaland West Province.

    Speaking on behalf of Minister of Local Government and Public Works Hon. Daniel Garwe, Deputy Minister Hon. Albert Mavunga said the training was aimed at strengthening the capacity of Ministry staff to address drug and substance abuse while ensuring effective and accountable public service delivery.

    “The nature of our duties cannot be performed properly by someone who has consumed drugs or alcohol or who is under the influence of any substance,” said Minister Mavunga.

    He said impaired judgment weakens oversight, leads to poor decision-making, affects integrity and ultimately compromises service delivery.

    “This training is about protecting our work, protecting communities, and protecting the credibility of Government,” he said.

    Minister Mavunga said although traditional leaders and local authority officials were not part of the workshop, they remain important partners in community development.

    “Ministry staff work hand in glove with traditional leadership and local authority structures, and we rely on them for community reach, legitimacy and implementation on the ground,” he said.

    He challenged participants to take the knowledge gained during the training back to their districts and ensure the message reaches every community in Mashonaland West.

    “After this workshop, you are expected to pass the message clearly to the traditional leaders and local authority structures with whom you work,” he stated.

    Hon. Mavunga also encouraged participants to share the information with colleagues who were unable to attend the training.

    “The goal of capacitation is not only to train individuals it is to strengthen the whole province and ensure that everyone who needs this knowledge receives it,” he said.

    He said the training would help participants identify warning signs of substance abuse, prevent drug misuse in workplaces and communities, support affected individuals without stigma, and refer cases through the appropriate channels for professional assistance.

    The Deputy Minister stressed that protecting public service delivery remains a key responsibility of Government officials.

    “Our oversight role ensures that minimum service delivery is maintained for citizens. That minimum service is not a favour it is a right,” Hon Mavunga added.

    He urged participants to use the training as an opportunity to strengthen communities, improve communication across the province and contribute to a drug-free society.

  • Local Government cracks down on ‘Fundraising’ workshops for Councils

    Local Government cracks down on ‘Fundraising’ workshops for Councils

    Itai Mazire

    The Ministry of Local Government and Public Works has issued a stern directive to local authorities, urging them to cease participation in non-essential workshops and conferences perceived as mere fundraising ventures by external entities.

    The move, outlined in a memorandum signed by Permanent Secretary Dr. John Basera on 14 May 2026, shows a critical shift towards prioritizing efficient service delivery amidst ongoing financial challenges.

    The memorandum highlights a growing concern within the ministry regarding the proliferation of such events.

    “It has been noted with concern that some institutions and entities are organising workshops and conferences targeting local authorities primarily for their fundraising purposes,” said Dr Basera.

    This directive comes as local authorities grapple with

    depressed revenue collection.

    The Ministry emphasizes the need to re-direct resources towards core functions.

    “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.

    Local authorities are now advised to significantly reduce their involvement in events that do not directly contribute to improving public services.

    The memorandum explicitly warns against arrangements that offer little to no tangible benefit.

    “Accordingly, 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.”

    This new position is effective immediately and will remain in force until further notice, signaling a resolute effort by the Ministry to streamline operations and ensure accountability in resource allocation within local governance.