Harare Correspondent
Harare \u2013 In a bid to cut rising operational costs, the Government has granted Mayors and Council Chairpersons the authority to drive council-owned vehicles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This decision comes with stringent licensing and safety criteria that must be met by the officials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Minister Garwe highlighted the financial strain many Councils face due to the logistical demands of transporting Council vehicles between offices and officials\u2019 residences, particularly in regions with expansive geographical coverage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe Ministry has taken heed of local authorities\u2019 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,\u201d he stated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Minister further elaborated on the operational inefficiencies, noting,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIn 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.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Under the new policy, Mayors and Council Chairpersons must possess a valid driver\u2019s license for at least two years, along with a valid defensive driving certificate. Minister Garwe emphasized,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAuthority is hereby granted to mayors and chairpersons provided they have valid driver\u2019s licenses for over two years and are in possession of a valid defensive driving certificate. The vehicles will be maintained as per council\u2019s transport policy.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Importantly, the Minister indicated that liability will rest with the driver.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe Mayor or Council chairperson would be allowed to drive the vehicle in line with the council\u2019s Transport Policy,\u201d he noted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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