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Mnangagwa calls for fiscal discipline among councillors
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President Emmerson Mnangagwa has stressed the need for Zimbabwe's local councillors to improve their understanding of budgeting and financial planning, warning that national development efforts could be undermined without sound fiscal literacy at the grassroots level.
Speaking during the launch of the Minimum Service Delivery Standards Framework and the Urban State Land Management Policy in Bulawayo, the President said the importance of budgeting cannot be overstated - even at household level.
"Budgets are designed to regulate, manage and structure resources," Mnangagwa said. "Even at household level there are budgets, even though some are silent."
He emphasised that councillors, as custodians of public services and local resources, must take financial responsibility seriously, aligning their decisions with the broader national vision for inclusive growth and sustainable development.
The President also urged local authorities to develop innovative and robust funding models that do not overburden citizens with excessive taxes or rates. He cautioned against a culture of dependency and called for the cultivation of resourcefulness and initiative.
"Money funds ideas, money does not create ideas," he said. "We must move away from the dependency mindset and start thinking creatively about how to finance our development needs."
His remarks come as government intensifies its efforts to improve service delivery and resource management within local authorities, many of which have faced public criticism over inefficiency, poor planning, and financial mismanagement.
The newly launched Minimum Service Delivery Standards Framework is expected to guide councils in setting benchmarks and improving accountability, while the Urban State Land Management Policy aims to bring greater order and transparency to land allocation and use in urban areas.
President Mnangagwa's call for budget literacy and financial discipline echoes growing national concerns over the performance of local governance structures, which are key drivers of development at community level.
As the country moves to implement the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), fiscal prudence and innovative financial planning are expected to be at the centre of local governance reforms.
Speaking during the launch of the Minimum Service Delivery Standards Framework and the Urban State Land Management Policy in Bulawayo, the President said the importance of budgeting cannot be overstated - even at household level.
"Budgets are designed to regulate, manage and structure resources," Mnangagwa said. "Even at household level there are budgets, even though some are silent."
He emphasised that councillors, as custodians of public services and local resources, must take financial responsibility seriously, aligning their decisions with the broader national vision for inclusive growth and sustainable development.
The President also urged local authorities to develop innovative and robust funding models that do not overburden citizens with excessive taxes or rates. He cautioned against a culture of dependency and called for the cultivation of resourcefulness and initiative.
"Money funds ideas, money does not create ideas," he said. "We must move away from the dependency mindset and start thinking creatively about how to finance our development needs."
His remarks come as government intensifies its efforts to improve service delivery and resource management within local authorities, many of which have faced public criticism over inefficiency, poor planning, and financial mismanagement.
The newly launched Minimum Service Delivery Standards Framework is expected to guide councils in setting benchmarks and improving accountability, while the Urban State Land Management Policy aims to bring greater order and transparency to land allocation and use in urban areas.
President Mnangagwa's call for budget literacy and financial discipline echoes growing national concerns over the performance of local governance structures, which are key drivers of development at community level.
As the country moves to implement the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), fiscal prudence and innovative financial planning are expected to be at the centre of local governance reforms.
Source - The Chronicle
