Government Raises Concern Over Abuse of Foreign Travel Approvals
The Ministry of Local Government and Public Works has issued a strong warning to local authorities over the alleged misuse of Cabinet Authority granted for overseas travel and conference benchmarking trips.
The concerns were communicated in a letter presented during a full council meeting of the Epworth Local Board on Tuesday by town secretary Dr Wilton Mhanda.
Officials Accused of Misusing Official Trips
In the correspondence, the ministry said approvals for external travel were intended to support official government business and national development objectives, not personal interests.
According to the ministry, Cabinet Authority is meant to enable mayors, council chairpersons and local authority officials to represent Zimbabwe, provinces and councils in areas such as investment promotion, service delivery, partnerships and the advancement of government programmes.
“It has come to the attention of the ministry that Cabinet Authority granted to mayors, council chairpersons and council officials for external travel conference benchmarking as an official engagement is being grossly abused,” the letter read.
Ministry Condemns ‘Shopping Expeditions’
The ministry expressed concern that some officials were allegedly treating official foreign trips as opportunities for shopping and social activities rather than focusing on the intended duties.
“It has, however, been noted with great concern that some policymakers and officials treat national authority as an opportunity for personal shopping, expedition and social engagement, only becoming visible during official dinners and photo opportunities,” the ministry said.
Authorities said such conduct compromises the dignity of public office and weakens confidence in local government institutions.
Public Trust Being Undermined
The ministry further warned that misuse of travel approvals undermines government austerity measures and betrays public trust.
“This conduct affronts the dignity of your offices and the betrayal of public trust bestowed upon you. Such behaviour undermines the Government’s posterity measures and erodes public confidence in local authorities,” read the statement.
The warning comes amid increasing scrutiny over public spending and accountability within local authorities.
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