Over the years, most councillors have been failing to appreciate the gravity of their posts. There is no question that service delivery is an issue when it comes to the City of Harare. The City of Harare was ranked 8th on the list of worst cities to live in.

The government has been concerned that service has been deteriorating in urban areas that were run by opposition MDC for the past 20 years.

There will be amendments to the Urban Councils Act and the Regional Town and Country Planning Act, whose objective will be to align them with the Constitution, among other things.

Minister Mutsvangwa said Cabinet received a presentation from Local Government and Public Works Minister, July Moyo, on the proposed amendments to the Rural District Councils Act.

“The amendments will seek, among other provisions, to provide for consultation with the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission and local authorities before the exercise of powers by the President or Minister responsible, the membership of Councils, devolution of Governmental powers and responsibilities, qualifications of councillors, assumption of office by councillors, the suspension and removal of Councillors from Office, the procedures and appointment of an Independent Tribunal, and the incorporation of Junior Councillors in development programmes under local authorities,”

“The amendments will also provide for the opening of a Devolution Account, into which revenue from the fiscus will be deposited for the provision of basic services, namely educational and health facilities, water, roads, and electricity within areas under the jurisdiction of the local authorities. Cabinet approved the principles, which are a result of widespread consultations with stakeholders.”

On the principles of the Regional, Town and Country Planning Amendment Bill, Minister Mutsvangwa said they will ensure the development of smart cities as well as curbing illegal developments.

“Cabinet approved the following, that the Provincial Council be empowered to plan and implement social and economic activities in its province, that in preparing a master plan the local planning authority must make provision for setting aside land contained within communal land for the establishment of a township, village, business or industrial area or an irrigation scheme, excision of communal land and permits to occupy and use communal land,”

Local authorities are now expected to obtain permits for developments to ensure lawful developments as well as project supervision. Built-up environments within a mining location are to be approved by local planning authorities. Local authorities are to issue a publication every five years on the reservation on certain buildings and any person who contravenes a building preservation order will be guilty of an offence. The person is liable to a fine not exceeding level 10 or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding one year.

Current laws regarding the administration of local authorities were silent regarding the qualifications of councillors. The introduction of minimum requirements is expected to improve service delivery as low literacy levels were noted as a major contributing factor towards the poor performance of councillors thus far.

The post Government To Introduce Minimum Qualifications For Councillors appeared first on Provoker Magazine.

Part of the goods that individuals and companies can now bring in include baked beans, body creams, bottled water, cheese and more, you can see the full list below:

The post Breaking: Government has temporarily amended SI 122 to allow Companies / Individuals to import goods without licences appeared first on Provoker Magazine.