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Ministry imposes immediate ban on workshops, foreign travel for local authorities
2 hrs ago |
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Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe (MP) has imposed an immediate moratorium on all workshops, seminars, conferences, foreign travel and related activities by local authorities, citing concerns that councils were diverting resources away from core service delivery obligations.
In a circular dated 27 May 2026, tabled before Council through the Chamber Secretary on 28 May 2026, the Ministry said it had "noted with concern the increasing number of workshops, foreign travel, look‑and‑learn visits, conferences and related activities being undertaken by Local Authorities at the expense of service delivery priorities".
The directive was explicit: "Accordingly, and with immediate effect, the Ministry hereby places an embargo on all workshops, seminars, symposiums, conferences, foreign travel and look‑and‑learn visits involving any time and financial costs to Local Authorities until further notice," Garwe stated.
The circular further barred councils from independently engaging in such activities without central approval, warning that "no Local Authority shall participate in or facilitate any such activity without the prior written approval of the Ministry".
It added that the restriction also applies to activities initiated by development partners and other government agencies.
"This directive equally applies to activities initiated or coordinated by other Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), development partners, associations, private entities or any other institutions," Garwe said. "All requests and invitations relating to such activities shall therefore be submitted to the Ministry for consideration before any commitments to participate or attend are made."
The Ministry emphasised that future approvals would be strictly tied to measurable improvements in service delivery.
"Consideration for approval of such activities shall strictly be based on their contribution towards the attainment of the Minimum Services Delivery Standards (MSDS) and improvement of service delivery in Local Authorities," the circular read.
It warned that compliance would be enforced without exception, stating that "non‑compliance with this directive will not be tolerated. Appropriate administrative action shall be taken against any Local Authority or official found to be acting in contravention of this Circular."
Council noted the communication and resolved that the report be received and noted, as part of ongoing alignment with local government service‑delivery reforms.
In a circular dated 27 May 2026, tabled before Council through the Chamber Secretary on 28 May 2026, the Ministry said it had "noted with concern the increasing number of workshops, foreign travel, look‑and‑learn visits, conferences and related activities being undertaken by Local Authorities at the expense of service delivery priorities".
The directive was explicit: "Accordingly, and with immediate effect, the Ministry hereby places an embargo on all workshops, seminars, symposiums, conferences, foreign travel and look‑and‑learn visits involving any time and financial costs to Local Authorities until further notice," Garwe stated.
The circular further barred councils from independently engaging in such activities without central approval, warning that "no Local Authority shall participate in or facilitate any such activity without the prior written approval of the Ministry".
It added that the restriction also applies to activities initiated by development partners and other government agencies.
"This directive equally applies to activities initiated or coordinated by other Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), development partners, associations, private entities or any other institutions," Garwe said. "All requests and invitations relating to such activities shall therefore be submitted to the Ministry for consideration before any commitments to participate or attend are made."
The Ministry emphasised that future approvals would be strictly tied to measurable improvements in service delivery.
"Consideration for approval of such activities shall strictly be based on their contribution towards the attainment of the Minimum Services Delivery Standards (MSDS) and improvement of service delivery in Local Authorities," the circular read.
It warned that compliance would be enforced without exception, stating that "non‑compliance with this directive will not be tolerated. Appropriate administrative action shall be taken against any Local Authority or official found to be acting in contravention of this Circular."
Council noted the communication and resolved that the report be received and noted, as part of ongoing alignment with local government service‑delivery reforms.
Source - Byo24News
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