By Chenesai Mugwadi
The City of Harare had received just 3.4 percent of its expected devolution funds by July 31, 2026, raising questions over the implementation of constitutional provisions requiring the allocation of national revenue to local authorities.
According to the city’s budget review report, Harare had received ZWG10.7 million out of the expected ZWG317.7 million in intergovernmental fiscal transfers, leaving a substantial funding gap for the local authority.
The Harare Residents Trust (HRT) has since called on the Government to urgently table a Devolution Bill in Parliament to avoid these situations.
It argues that legislation is needed to establish a clear framework for the allocation and management of funds intended for local authorities.
The trust said the shortfall undermined the capacity of councils to deliver services and raised concerns about transparency in the disbursement of public funds.
“Section 301(3) of the Constitution provides that “Not less than five per cent of the national revenues raised in any financial year must be allocated to the provinces and local authorities as their share in that year.”
HRT argues that the 5 percent allocation is a constitutional minimum rather than a ceiling, and has called for greater transparency on how devolution funds are distributed and managed.
The organisation said the absence of a dedicated Devolution Act left local authorities vulnerable to delays in receiving funds intended to support local development and service delivery.
“Without a law, funds that belong to local authorities can be withheld and used elsewhere under central government control, leaving councils unable to deliver the services residents pay for,” HRT said.
Meaningful Support
The trust said devolution should involve the transfer of meaningful fiscal, administrative and political powers from central government to local authorities.
It also raised concerns about the political environment in local government, arguing that the recall of experienced councillors had weakened councils’ ability to challenge central government decisions.
According to HRT, councillors who remain in office may be reluctant to raise contentious issues for fear of losing their positions.
The organisation called on residents to demand greater accountability over public funds.
The funding shortfall comes amid continuing demands on local authorities to improve essential services, including water supply, refuse collection, road maintenance and public infrastructure.
However, the figures cited in the city’s budget review report reflect the position as at July 31 and do not, on their own, establish whether the outstanding allocation was subsequently disbursed.
The Government’s position on the reported shortfall, the reasons for the delayed transfers and the prospects for tabling the proposed legislation were not included in the HRT statement.
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