Minister of Local Government and Public Works Daniel Garwe has reiterated the government’s commitment to improving service delivery and accelerating infrastructure development, in line with Zimbabwe’s broader Vision 2030 agenda.

In a recent government communication shared via official channels, Garwe underscored the importance of efficient local authorities in driving national development and restoring public confidence in governance systems.

Garwe, who has been serving as Minister since April 2024, plays a key role in overseeing urban management, housing, and public works across the country.

Focus on Service Delivery

The minister stressed that the credibility of government institutions is closely tied to the quality of services delivered at the local level. Previous remarks attributed to Garwe have highlighted the need for councils to improve performance and accountability, particularly in areas such as water provision, sanitation, and infrastructure maintenance.

This renewed emphasis comes as Zimbabwe continues to implement its National Development Strategy (NDS), which prioritises economic growth, infrastructure expansion, and improved living standards.

Vision 2030 and Infrastructure Development

Garwe has also linked local government performance to the country’s Vision 2030 target, which aims to transform Zimbabwe into an upper-middle-income economy. Recent engagements have seen the minister highlighting projects aimed at improving access to basic services, including long-overdue water infrastructure developments in urban areas.

These initiatives are part of a broader push to modernise cities and ensure sustainable service delivery in line with national economic goals.

Accountability and Reform

The minister’s remarks come amid ongoing scrutiny of local authorities, with calls for stronger oversight and reforms to address inefficiencies. Analysts say the government’s messaging signals a continued focus on accountability, particularly as infrastructure and service delivery remain key public concerns.

ZIMSPORT Development for Economic Development (ZIMSPORTD4ED) is strengthening its role in promoting economic growth and community empowerment by using sport as a development tool, with a strong focus on grassroots participation.

The organisation has been hosting a range of successful events, including amateur boxing tournaments and international competitions, as part of its broader mission to uplift communities and harness sport for national development.

In a press statement released on Tuesday, ZIMSPORTD4ED national chairperson Cde Gabriel Togarepi highlighted that the affiliate is actively advancing grassroots sports and community involvement through various initiatives and tournaments.

“The true spirit of sport is in dusty local pitches, school grounds, and community spaces where passion first takes root,” Cde Togarepi said.

Our recent activities began with a vibrant amateur boxing tournament, providing a critical platform for grassroots athletes to showcase their skills,” he said.

Cde Togarepi added that the organisation is growing its presence while also professionalising sport in Zimbabwe through strategic partnerships and sponsorships.

“ZIMSPORTD4ED successfully transitioned into the professional ranks with a well-organised boxing gala.”

He noted that the success of the event reflects the affiliate’s ability to host high-quality boxing promotions.

“The event was made possible through partnerships with business affiliates, whose sponsorship ensured that participating professional boxers earned competitive and respectable purses.”

He further explained that ZIMSPORTD4ED is helping position Zimbabwe as a centre for international sporting events and talent discovery.

“The tournament featured participation from seven countries, creating a dynamic platform for regional exchange, competition, and talent identification.

Boxers were awarded substantial purses, made possible by the organisation’s expanding sponsorship base, further reinforcing confidence among athletes and stakeholders,” he said.

Cde Togarepi also stressed the organisation’s dedication to national development through sport.

“ZIMSPORTDED operates with a clear mandate of promoting economic development through sport, aligning our programmes with the national vision of inclusive growth and empowerment.

We remain fully committed to supporting Vision 2030 and legislative frameworks such as Constitutional Amendment Bill Number 3, which emphasise continuity, stability, and sustainable national development,” he added.

The Executive Chairman of Geo Pomona Waste Management, Delish Nguwaya, has called on government authorities to take firm action against illegal street vending, warning that the practice is undermining efforts to maintain cleanliness in urban areas.

Nguwaya made the remarks during his appearance at the Parliamentary Thematic Committee on Climate Change, where he was presenting oral evidence on waste management and environmental sustainability.

“Government needs to take decisive action against vendors. We clean during the day, but if you check at night, the whole town becomes a menace. Something really has to be done,” he said.

He explained that while significant progress is being made to keep the city clean during the day, the situation deteriorates at night as informal traders return to the streets.

According to Nguwaya, activities such as roasting maize and selling fresh produce contribute to littering and increased waste in the central business district.

“In the evening, we see vendors roasting maize in town. Removing them is difficult, but right now, if you go into town, you will see Geo Pomona doing tremendous work,” he noted.

Nguwaya added that the persistence of night vending is reversing gains made by waste management teams, making it harder to sustain cleanliness. He stressed that without stricter enforcement and coordinated government intervention, the problem will continue to escalate.

“At times during the night, you see vendors selling tomatoes. We have gone out in the evenings to assess the situation, and we were concerned by what we observed. The government needs to take decisive action,” he said.

His comments come amid growing concerns over urban sanitation, environmental health, and the challenges of regulating informal trading in Zimbabwe’s cities.

Nguwaya reiterated that while waste management efforts are improving, long-term success will depend on stronger policy enforcement and collaboration between authorities and communities.