By Staff Reporter
Harare – President Emmerson Mnangagwa expressed deep concern on Tuesday over rampant corruption within urban and local councils across Zimbabwe.
Addressing over 2,000 councillors from all 92 local authorities nationwide, Mnangagwa vowed that his administration would not tolerate such misconduct.
“I am deeply concerned by cases of corruption in the local government space and the entire society.
“Those perpetrating such acts must face the full wrath of our country’s law.
“No one, including local authorities, will be spared. Let us root out this menace from our society,” said Mnangagwa.
The ongoing commission of inquiry into the operations of Harare City Council, led by Retired Justice Maphios Cheda, has exposed widespread corruption among council officials.
Cases of land barons and dodgy house cooperatives illegally parcelling land to desperate home-seekers have become rampant not only the capital about also rural district authorities.
Mnangagwa challenged local authorities to aspire to be centers of excellence, providing leadership and innovative best practices.
“All local authorities; urban or rural, big or small, remain an integral cog of the local governance system.
“You should, therefore, operate in unison, always collaborating, sharing experiences and sharpening yourselves towards responsive policy-making at the grassroots level for the benefit of our beloved motherland, Zimbabwe.
“As institutions leading the implementation of service delivery, I expect you to be centres of excellence, providing leadership and innovative best practices across the local governance spectrum,” he said.
