Farai Dziva|The MDC Alliance has cited political interference as the main reason for the lack of sound development in rural and urban councils.

See statement below :

Superior Services impossible in councils as a result of central government interference

Guided by the PRIDES ( Particiption, Reform, Integrity Devolution , Environment and Superior Services) strategy , MDC Alliance lead councils have their focus on delivery of superior services to their stakeholders.

Most local authorities in the country are poorly staffed.

The majority of councils are sadly ran by senior managers that are occupying positions in acting capacities, a situation that is a recipe for disaster in this important sector which sits at the coal face of the livelihoods of the people

This situation is a result of central governments appetite for micromanagement of councils in contravention of the constitution which give powers to elected councils to run local affairs out of their own initiative and autonomously.

Central government wants to decide who should be Town clerk, chamber Secretary or indeed any senior management position.

We implore the minister of local government to allow councils to employ without interference.

We posit that the Local Government Board, has no place in a devolved local government system and should not be used to employ unqualified and partisan staff.

The quality of services and efficiency and effectiveness of councils is directly related to the quality, suitability , skills and experience of senior staff.

The appointment of politically connected, yet unsuitable staff is the catalysis for corruption and inefficiency in our councils today. Our fight against corruption is lost if this practice is not stopped quickly.

Sesel Zvidzai

Secretary for Local Gvt and Rural Development