Municipal executives have been urged to enhance their performance, particularly in the areas of waste management and revenue collection. Maciu Nalumisa, the Minister for Housing and Local Government, emphasized that while some councils have shown commendable practices, significant deficiencies persist, especially in addressing illegal dumping and insufficient rubbish management.
Nalumisa pointed out that despite the availability of bins and warning notices, illegal dumping remains prevalent across various municipalities, including neighborhoods. To combat this issue, he has challenged municipal CEOs to reassess their enforcement strategies, issue necessary citations, and adopt more rigorous actions against violators.
Moreover, the minister expressed his concerns regarding the low rate of collection in certain municipalities, underscoring that rates are the primary source of revenue for councils. He is advocating for councils to seek innovative approaches such as public-private partnerships, commercial land development, and securing corporate sponsorship for the revitalization of recreational parks and infrastructure, rather than relying primarily on government funding.
In addition, Nalumisa confirmed that project progress will be closely monitored on a monthly basis to ensure timely completion. Seema Sharma, the Permanent Secretary for Local Government, reinforced the need for strong governance, accountability, and well-defined operational boundaries. She highlighted that councils are directly accountable to their residents, and any failures in performance can erode public trust.
With local government elections anticipated later this year—the first in over two decades—Sharma emphasizes the necessity for councils to engage in thoughtful planning, maintain accurate information dissemination, and elevate service delivery standards. She reminded the chief executives that although special administrators may offer policy guidance, the operational responsibilities lie firmly with them.
This call to action for municipal leaders signifies a commitment to improving local governance and service delivery, aiming to foster public confidence and community engagement as local elections approach.