Supporting selected local authorities with regard to good governance

Context

Zimbabwe’s local authorities are facing challenges such as limited financial resources, inadequate service delivery and digitalisation, a lack of public transparency, and corruption. Local councillors do not hold the public administration to account and fall short in voicing the population’s needs. The land registers are antiquated and are not updated regularly, which undermines the basis for levying rates and taxes. The project therefore aims to improve local authorities’ capacities and capabilities so they can carry out their tasks effectively.

Objective

Selected local authorities are delivering their services more effectively. They are improving their finances and administrative processes, including by means of IT systems, and enhancing the councils’ supervisory role. The local authorities are also promoting the inclusion of women, young people and people with disabilities, encouraging civic communication and participation, and supporting administrative transparency.

Approach

The project provides advice on processes to the local authorities of Beitbridge, Chaminuka, Chinhoyi, Chivi, Kwekwe, Masvingo and Murewa. It also organises training and supports dialogue between the local authorities for the purpose of peer learning, for example on revenue strategies.

The project deploys short-term experts on waste, water, digitalisation and finance. Former councillors, in particular, are deployed to advise councils. This practice-oriented approach is intended to create the basis for greater accountability and transparency in order to strengthen the trust between the public and the local authorities.

The project is working with the Zimbabwean Ministry of Local Government and Public Works and the associations of rural and urban councils to document lessons learned and develop training materials. These will be used by all of the country’s local authorities and ensure the project’s long-term impact.

Last update: January 2025