Nkosentsha Khumalo
The Government of Zimbabwe has expressed serious concern over menacing illegal settlers who continue to into enchroach urban and communal stateland.
However, the same government has also advised against demolishing the properties of these illegal settlers, deeming it too harsh a measure to address the issue.
The Government is still exploring alternative solutions to address illegal settlements beyond demolitions, but has also cautioned the public against exploiting this shift in approach, warning that new illegal constructions will face consequences.
This was emphasised by the Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Honourable D. Garwe in his keynote address on the occasion of the Ministry’s 2025 Strategic Plan Review Workshop, held at a local hotel in Bulawayo yesterday.
In his keynote address, Garwe said Government is concerned over people who are settling themselves illegally on urban and communal stateland.
To counter this challenge, the Ministry has issued a Moratorium on sale of urban stateland to pave way for the strengthening of urban land management.
“Pursuant to that, the Ministry reviewed the urban stateland Manual and prepared securitized land tenure documents.”
“As you may be aware, Disaster Risk Management is under the Ministry’s jurisdiction, I would like to stress the importance of preparedness. We live in a world where natural and man-made disasters are becoming more frequent and severe. It is our duty to ensure that, our communities are adequately prepared to face these challenges. This includes investing in early warning systems, emergency response training, and creating robust disaster management plans at all levels.”
“Furthermore, we must recognize the significance of risk reduction. While we cannot prevent all disasters, we can certainly take measures to minimize their impact. This involves conducting thorough risk assessments, implementing land-use planning strategies, and enforcing strict building by-laws. Let us identify vulnerable areas and take proactive steps, to reduce the loss of lives and property when disasters strike.”
The Ministry of Local Government and Public Works is also involved in the coordination and resource mobilisation for responding to the 2023/24 El Nino induced drought including resilience building initiatives for the affected communities.
Minister Garwe said friendly nations, Development Partners and Private sector are responding positively to the call for assistance.
“The Construction, Maintenance and Management of Public Buildings is one of the Ministry’s core mandates, hence I emphasize the importance of quality in public building construction. These structures should be built to last, ensuring the safety and comfort of the individuals who utilize them taking into consideration the disabled.”
“We must prioritize the use of high-quality materials, adhere to stringent building codes and regulations. In addition to quality, we must also focus on incorporating innovative design and technology into the construction of public buildings.”
The local government Minister stressed that the world is rapidly evolving, and hence the country’s buildings should reflect that progress.
By embracing cutting-edge architectural concepts and integrating smart technologies, Garwe said this will create structures that are energy-efficient, environmentally friendly, and accessible to all.
“Let me emphasize the importance of transparency and accountability in the construction of public buildings. As custodians of public funds, we have a duty to ensure that every penny is spent wisely and efficiently. This requires robust project management, diligent oversight, and regular audits to prevent cost overruns and ensure that, projects are completed on time and within the budget.”
He urged all citizens to rally behind His Excellency, President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa’s clarion call to shun the silo mentality and embrace partnership and cooperation.
It is through these collaborative efforts that Garwe said will shape the future and achieve the country’s shared goals bearing in mind the President’s mantra that, “Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo”.
“I encourage each and every one of you to actively participate, share your insights, ideas, thoughts and bring forth your expertise. This workshop provides us with a unique opportunity to collaborate, brainstorm, and challenge conventional wisdom, fostering an environment that nurtures innovation and creativity.
“As we embark on this journey, it is essential to remember that, our Strategic Plan is not an end in itself. It is a means to an end, a stepping stone towards tangible and impactful outcomes. We must ensure that, our Plan is actionable, measurable and accountable. We must identify clear milestones and performance indicators to gauge our progress and make necessary adjustments along the way.
“Furthermore, our Strategic Plan should embrace the principles of sustainability and inclusivity. It should address the social, economic, and environmental dimensions of our work, promoting equitable growth, preserving our natural resources, and leaving a positive legacy for posterity.
As you may be aware that, Governance and Devolution are amongst the fourteen National Priority Areas enshrined in NDS 1 that, are under the Ministry’s purview. These are fundamental pillars upon which modern societies are built, and their effective implementation is essential for the progress and prosperity of any nation.”
Garwe added that the concept of Devolution has gained significant traction worldwide, in recent years. He stated that many nations have recognized the importance of empowering local communities and granting them greater autonomy in shaping their own destinies.
“Devolution promotes effective governance by bringing decision-making closer to the people, fostering a sense of ownership, and enabling more efficient delivery of public services.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, As the Minister responsible for Local Government and Public works, I recognize the vital role that, Local Authorities play in shaping the lives of our citizens and building strong prosperous communities. Local Authorities are the frontline providers of essential services to our people, including water and sanitation, waste management, transportation, education, healthcare, and many more.”
“They are the engines that drive development and progress at the grassroots level. Therefore, it is imperative that, we constantly strive to enhance the effectiveness, efficiency, and accountability of their service delivery.”
“The delivery of services by Local Authorities is a critical aspect of the governance system. It directly impacts the well-being and quality of life of citizens. As the Minister responsible, I am committed to working tirelessly to ensure that, Local Authorities are equipped to meet the evolving needs of communities. Let us join hands and embark on this journey together, as we strive to build a nation where every citizen enjoys access to efficient, effective, and citizen-centric services and this was buttressed by His Excellency’s Call to action on service delivery by all Local Authorities.”
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