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Blessings Chidakwa in Kadoma
Local authorities in Mashonaland West Province should have a developmental outlook in their quest to improve service delivery, Minister of State Mary Mliswa-Chikoka has said.

In her welcome remarks during an induction workshop for urban and rural councils in Mashonaland West held in Kadoma, Minister Mliswa-Chikoka implored officials to  impact positively on the lives of their communities.

The workshop was organised by Local Government, Public Works and National Housing Minister July Moyo who graced the meeting with his Deputy Minister Jennifer Mhlanga and other senior officials from his ministry.

“To councillors, chairpersons, mayors, town secretaries, town clerks and chief executive officers you are at the heart of the success of the work that lies ahead,” said Minister Mliswa-Chikoka.

“Let us have a developmental outlook and we must be motivated to deliver. The smooth, effective and efficient running of our local authorities draws from our transparent, united, coordinated, proactive, professional and ethical management of our authorities.

“The task ahead in this new dispensation is not for the minister alone and it is against this backdrop that I want to applaud Minister Moyo for organising such an important workshop.”

Minister Mliswa-Chikoka said councils’ strategic plans must be in place, ready for funding and must be reviewed periodically.

“What separates us from the old leadership is our work ethic,” she said. “The game has surely changed (and) I implore you to go over and above the call of duty, suffice to say people must come to work and as management we should be a benchmark to our officers.”

Minister Mliswa-Chikoka said punctuality and diligence should be their motto.

She reiterated that Government had no room for corrupt officials.

“Corruption, this is a cancer and our number one enemy in this great nation,” she said. “Our policy to corruption is zero tolerance.”