Government Completes Drafting of Provincial and Metropolitan Councils Bill, Paving Way for Devolution

By Cimba Shepherd Nhamo

In a significant step towards decentralization, the Zimbabwean Government has finalized the drafting of the Provincial and Metropolitan Councils Bill. This landmark legislation aims to operationalize the councils established by the 2013 Constitution, empowering local authorities to lead development activities in their respective provinces.

Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi announced the completion of the Bill in the National Assembly on Wednesday, marking a crucial milestone in the Government’s devolution agenda. The Bill is expected to be fast-tracked, with Minister Ziyambi assuring the House of its thorough review and readiness for implementation.

The Provincial and Metropolitan Councils Bill seeks to:

1. Establish Metropolitan Councils for Harare and Bulawayo, and Provincial Councils for the remaining eight provinces.
2. Empower local authorities to take charge of development activities, promoting grassroots decision-making and accountability.
3. Enhance service delivery, infrastructure development, and economic growth in provinces.

Minister Ziyambi emphasized the Government’s commitment to ensuring the efficient functioning of these councils, which have remained dormant due to the absence of an enabling law.

Addressing Water Woes in Urban Areas

In addition to the Bill, Minister Ziyambi tackled the perennial water shortages affecting urban local authorities, particularly in Bulawayo. He unveiled a new approach to address this issue, focusing on:

1. Refurbishing outdated water reticulation systems, starting with Bulawayo.
2. Replacing old pipes to ensure continuous water delivery.
3. Completing the Gwayi-Shangani Dam to improve raw water availability in Bulawayo.

This comprehensive strategy aims to alleviate water shortages, enhance service delivery, and promote sustainable development in urban areas.

Key Highlights:

– Provincial and Metropolitan Councils Bill finalized
– Bill operationalizes councils established by 2013 Constitution
– Devolution agenda empowers local authorities
– Harare and Bulawayo to have Metropolitan Councils
– Remaining provinces to have Provincial Councils
– Government to fast-track Bill
– New approach to address water shortages in urban areas
– Bulawayo prioritized for water reticulation system refurbishment
– Gwayi-Shangani Dam completion to improve raw water availability