By Farai D Hove | Harare, Zimbabwe – Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe, the official tasked with overseeing the destruction of the nation’s municipalities, has accused the Harare City Council of being “rotten” and “corrupt.”
Garwe is an attendant of ZANU-PF party leader, Emmerson Mnangagwa’s orders to dominate local authority governance by disrupting service delivery of all councils run by opposition parties.
In an incendiary video, President Mnangagwa states saying, “all service delivery issues needing attention of the MDC, it doesn’t matter which MDC, must be stopped and they must crash at Harvest House building.”
Addressing the media at an event organized by Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr. Jenfan Muswere, Garwe delivered a scathing critique of Harare’s opposition-led council. “City of Harare is a problem… it is corrupt, it is being run by corrupt people that must be brought to book,” said Garwe. The minister accused council officials of mismanagement and claimed the central government would intervene to restore “order and sanity.”
Harare’s Infrastructure in Decline
Garwe’s accusations come amid a backdrop of worsening infrastructure in the city. Harare has been plagued by issues such as sewer bursts, water shortages, uncollected garbage, poor street lighting, and a dysfunctional billing system. Corruption allegations have further tarnished the council’s reputation. Garwe used these issues as justification for the ongoing Commission of Inquiry tasked with determining the central government’s next steps regarding the council.
Government Interference or Genuine Concern?
Critics argue that the central government, dominated by ZANU-PF, has played a significant role in the deterioration of local councils. ZANU-PF’s alleged strategy, as revealed during the event, aims to undermine opposition-led councils to consolidate political power. This has led many to question the sincerity of Garwe’s remarks, as his ministry holds the constitutional mandate to ensure proper municipal governance.
The minister’s remarks also addressed recent eviction controversies. The Harare City Council had issued 48-hour notices to demolish over 5,000 houses built on land earmarked for public amenities. Garwe criticized the council, stating, “If they try to demolish the houses, they would see what would happen to them.” He defended the central government’s intervention by accusing council officials of supervising the illegal constructions from the start.
Financial Mismanagement Allegations
Further highlighting the council’s alleged failings, Garwe pointed to financial mismanagement, including the rejection of a cost-effective US$350,000 locally-developed ERP system in favor of a US$2.1 million foreign system. Additionally, he claimed the council was complicit in irregular transactions with suppliers, such as a water treatment chemicals deal that resulted in a US$816,000 shortfall.
ZANU-PF’s Broader Strategy
The minister’s comments align with a broader ZANU-PF strategy to portray opposition-led councils as ineffective. Observers note that this tactic has been used to justify increased central government interference and, ultimately, to erode opposition control over local authorities. This approach has left many Zimbabweans questioning whether the government is genuinely addressing municipal failures or exploiting the situation for political gain.
As the battle for control over Harare’s governance intensifies, residents continue to bear the brunt of deteriorating services and political power plays. Whether the central government’s intervention will bring solutions or further deepen the crisis remains to be seen.