Tanaka Nyambo
IAN Makone was elected as the new mayor of Harare yesterday, with Kudzai Kadzombe coming in as his deputy.
Makone takes over from Jacob Mafume.
The Permanent Secretary in the Harare Metropolitan Provincial Affairs and Devolution Ministry, Tafadzwa Muguti, congratulated the newly-elected councillors and emphasised the importance of improving service delivery in the capital.
Muguti encouraged the councillors to take a keen interest in the provisions of the Constitution that speak to governance issues and to channel resources towards efficient service delivery.
“We have high expectations as Government, particularly on improving service delivery which we all agree is at its lowest in Harare.
“Your mandate as council is very clear; it is stipulated in the Constitution of Zimbabwe and the Urban Councils Act Chapter (29:15).
“Local authorities in Zimbabwe, Harare included, play an important role in promoting sound local governance and undertaking and coordinating urban development to enhance the socio-economic development of Zimbabwe,” Muguti said.
He added:
“The establishment of a more devolved or decentralised governance framework has received greater impetus under the Second Republic and accordingly, public institutions at provincial and district levels.
“Your Worship, your council has a mammoth task ahead of you to address the service delivery challenges in Harare.
“You all know the pain points and as such this new council must make a difference and transform the lives of the residents of Harare.
“My office is open to work with the City of Harare for the achievement of outcomes that benefit the residents of Harare.”