By Correspondent
Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume has accused President Mnangagwa’s administration of sabotaging the Local Authority.
In an interview with a local private publication Mafume said the challenges in the capital had their roots in government.
“Like I said, there was a cat and mouse relationship between the council and central government, with the other chasing and the other running away.
“The cat and mouse relationship can never be beneficial.
Mafume explained that government had taken away certain powers and roles that reduced Council’s effectiveness.
“You take away things like Zinara.
“Even buying things has been put in procurement.
“That clearly is self-defeatist by the government and creates a situation where the cities are hamstrung or their hands are tied.
“They cannot proceed to deliver services”, he said.
State Sanctioned Sabotage
Government, through various Local Government Ministers has faced the same accusations over a log time.
Former Minister July Moyo, was accused of implementing a scorched earth policy when dealing with urban councils.
This included issuing unilateral directives to councils that damaged the long-term interests of residents.
There had been unilateral use and abuse of Devolution Funds and acquisition of capital infrastructure without Council input.
However, one of the main directives by Local Government Ministry that contributed to the collapse of service delivery was the cancellation of debts owed by ratepayers in 2013.
However, some Councils have gained some respite following a High Court ruling in 2023.
Judge Pricilla Munangati-Manongwa set aside Section 314 (2) of the Urban Councils Act Cap 29:15.
The law gave the Local Government Minister overbearing control on the affairs of local authorities.
This change is expected to extend more initiative to the Local Authorities.
