David Coltart warns devolution failing local authorities

Bulawayo Mayor David Coltart has raised concerns that the implementation of devolution in Zimbabwe is undermining local authorities and hampering service delivery. Speaking at a National Residents' Summit in Bulawayo on Thursday, hosted by the Bulawayo Progressive Residents Association (BPRA), Coltart said national policies and laws were running contrary to the constitutional principle of devolution.

"Although we have strong constitutional provisions that should promote devolution, the reality on the ground is that there are measures in place which are accosted to devolution," he said.

The mayor highlighted road maintenance as one area affected, noting that funds previously allocated to councils through vehicle licence fees are now controlled by the Zimbabwe National Road Administration (ZINARA). "That money now goes to ZINARA and we literally have to beg to get some of our money back to repair roads. That is contrary to the principle of devolution," Coltart explained.

He also criticised the government's takeover of Bulawayo's water infrastructure, pointing out that ratepayers had built dams and water systems over decades, only for them to be unilaterally taken over by the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA). "We now have to buy our own water back," he said.

Coltart further accused central government of dictating how devolution funds should be spent, citing the purchase of Belarus fire engines at US$400,000 each instead of more cost-effective alternatives like Mercedes-Benz or Volvo models. "It is another example of how we pay lip service to the principle of devolution," he said.

The mayor also sounded the alarm over Bulawayo's worsening water crisis, with the city currently on a 130-hour water shedding schedule, leaving some residents receiving water only once every two to three weeks. "Our water structure is groaning. It is over 40 years old and way beyond its economic lifespan. Ncema Dam's water treatment works, built in the 1940s, are in dire need of complete rehabilitation," he said.

Coltart warned that without urgent investment in new dams and infrastructure, Bulawayo's water, sanitation, and hygiene systems would remain in a critical state.