Harare Correspondent
Harare – In a bid to cut rising operational costs, the Government has granted Mayors and Council Chairpersons the authority to drive council-owned vehicles.
This decision comes with stringent licensing and safety criteria that must be met by the officials.
In a letter issued to the Mayors and Council chairpersons, Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Daniel Garwe, explained that the move is a response to local authorities’ appeals for cost-cutting measures related to fuel, staffing, and allowances for dedicated drivers.
Minister Garwe highlighted the financial strain many Councils face due to the logistical demands of transporting Council vehicles between offices and officials’ residences, particularly in regions with expansive geographical coverage.
“The Ministry has taken heed of local authorities’ requests to allow Mayors and Council chairpersons to drive Council vehicles in the discharge of their duties. This is to reduce costs related to having council staff always assigned to drive the chairpersons,” he stated.
The Minister further elaborated on the operational inefficiencies, noting,
“In most instances, the car has to be driven from council offices to collect the chairperson and back, leading to higher fuel costs and travelling and subsistence allowances paid to related staff, given the geographical locations of local authorities.”
Under the new policy, Mayors and Council Chairpersons must possess a valid driver’s license for at least two years, along with a valid defensive driving certificate. Minister Garwe emphasized,
“Authority is hereby granted to mayors and chairpersons provided they have valid driver’s licenses for over two years and are in possession of a valid defensive driving certificate. The vehicles will be maintained as per council’s transport policy.”
Importantly, the Minister indicated that liability will rest with the driver.
“The Mayor or Council chairperson would be allowed to drive the vehicle in line with the council’s Transport Policy,” he noted.
In the event of an accident, the Mayor or Chairperson will be subject to a board of inquiry and possible suspension from driving council vehicles, with the inquiry board composed by the District Development Coordinator.
This new directive aims to enable local authorities to redirect savings toward critical public services, while ensuring that mayors and chairpersons can effectively manage their responsibilities without the additional burden of dedicated drivers.
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