Dismissals And Travel Bans: New Law Punishes Councils For Failing Basic Services – Minister Garwe

Councils To Be Punished For Failing To Deliver Services Under New Law

Residents across Zimbabwe could soon see improved service delivery after Government introduced a new law that punishes city councils for failing to provide basic services, with Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe warning that non-performing councils now face suspension, demotion and even dismissal under the new regulations.

The new measures, contained in Statutory Instrument (SI) 69 of 2026, introduce minimum service delivery standards for both rural and urban councils, forcing authorities to prioritise service delivery over salaries and administrative costs.

The regulations were gazetted on April 12, 2026.

New Law Targets Poor Service Delivery

According to The Sunday Mail, under the new regulations, councils must allocate more money toward service delivery instead of salaries. The new ratio requires 70 percent of expenditure to go toward service delivery and 30 per cent toward remuneration.

Minister Daniel Garwe said councils that fail to meet the new benchmarks would face disciplinary action.

He said:

“Local authorities should prioritise the delivery of essential services to residents over the payment of salaries and other operational costs.”

Minister Garwe added that penalties for failing to comply would include warnings, suspension of travel, demotion, downgrading of council status and possible dismissal of officials.

He explained:

“Local authorities should ensure compliance with statutory obligations such as value-added tax, loans, bank obligations, pay-as-you-earn, NSSA, pensions and insurance of assets.”

The Minister also ordered councils to submit financial statements within 60 days after the end of each financial year.

He said:

“All local authorities should produce and submit draft financial statements to the Comptroller and Auditor-General within 60 days of end of each financial year.”

The law also requires councils to maintain updated asset registers, conduct skills audits and ensure proper planning systems are in place.

Failures In Harare And Other Cities

The new law follows widespread service delivery failures across several local authorities.

In Harare, residents have endured persistent water shortages and poor refuse collection.

The government has also had to bring in private companies to assist with waste management in some areas.

Chitungwiza has also experienced sewer challenges and infrastructure failures.

Investigations revealed weak governance systems and financial mismanagement, which affected service delivery.

Redcliff Municipality was also cited for procurement irregularities and poor asset management, which resulted in financial losses.

Auditor-General reports have consistently highlighted poor governance, weak procurement systems and poor revenue management across several councils.

These failures prompted the government to introduce enforceable benchmarks.

Rewards For Best Performing Councils

The new law also introduces rewards for councils that perform well.

Best-performing councils will be recognised at provincial and national levels.

The awards will also recognise mayors, council chairpersons and town clerks.

Planning expert Joyce Chakabva welcomed the new law.

She said:

“Local authorities play an important role in the development of communities as they are closer to the general public. It is therefore important that they operate within set minimum standards expected of them to improve accountability and service delivery.”

Analyst Tafadzwa Murehwa said the law marks a major shift in governance.

He said: