Chigwata presents on the proposed Local Authorities Bill in Zimbabwe

Community Law Centre’s researcher at the Multilevel Government Initiative Tinashe Chigwata presented on behalf of knowledge institutions at consultative workshops organised by the Ministry of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing in partnership with UNDP. The workshops were held from 27 to 28 August at Rainbow Towers Hotel in Harare.

The Ministry invited a diversity of stakeholders including government representatives, chiefs, and representatives of local authorities, NGOs, residents associations and knowledge institutions to provide input on the proposed Local Authorities Bill and the Provincial and Metropolitan Councils Administration Bill.

Among other issues, Tinashe stressed that the adoption of the 2013 Constitution of Zimbabwe has provided a golden opportunity to develop a system of local government that is capable of delivering on service delivery obligations and overall development mandate. While acknowledging the effort put forward by the Ministry in drafting the Bill, he however expressed concern in that the Bill does not adequately give effect to the 2013 Constitution of Zimbabwe.