Govt, UN Collaborate to Boost Service Delivery

Deputy minister of Public Works, Engineer Benjamin Kabikira

Rutendo Mazhindu- Zim Now Reporter

Government will continue partnering with United Nations agencies to enhance access to social services and improve citizens’ living conditions, Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe has said.

In remarks delivered on his behalf by Deputy Minister Engineer Benjamin Kabikira at a UN country team meeting in Nyanya on Wednesday, Garwe expressed gratitude to the UN for its support in response to Zimbabwe’s food appeal following last year’s El Niño-induced drought.

Through the joint effort, the UN mobilised US$131.4 million, which helped feed over 1.3 million people across the country.

Garwe said his ministry is spearheading devolution initiatives at local authority level and is currently developing Minimum Service Delivery Standards to track council performance.

He also underscored the significance of the “Call to Action: No Compromise to Service Delivery” blueprint launched by President Emmerson Mnangagwa in 2023, noting that it is guiding ongoing reforms in local governance.

In addition, the ministry is crafting policies aimed at strengthening the institutional capacity of councils to enhance the delivery of essential services.

The meeting was attended by UN Resident Coordinator to Zimbabwe Edward Kallon, Deputy Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Reverend Paul Damasane, and other senior government and UN officials.