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Ivan Zhakata

Herald Correspondent

GOVERNMENT is set to appoint a new Local Government Board (LGB) to expedite the resolution of labour issues involving senior council officials and the appointment of substantive department heads in councils.

Many senior officials in various councils countrywide have been fired, while others have been suspended, mainly for corruption, seriously compromising service delivery.

In a speech read on his behalf at a tour of Morton Jaffray and Warren Control Water Works last week, Local Government and Public Works Minister July Moyo revealed that the LGB would be in place soon.

Minister of State for Presidential Affairs and Monitoring Implementation of Government Programmes Jorum Gumbo, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Harare Metropolitan Province Oliver Chidau, senior Government officials and council officials were part of the tour.

“The city (Harare) presently suffers a corporate governance malaise following the expulsion or suspension of a huge chuck of its councillors, while most senior management positions are vacant,” said Minister Moyo.

“I want to assure you that we shall within the shortest possible time, appoint the Local Government Board so that all outstanding disciplinary cases may be concluded, while new substantive appointments are made to fill the existing gaps which are also contributing to the operational challenges presently facing the City.

“For those processes outside our purview, it can only be hopped that these will be resolved timeously to allow for the smooth operation of council. In the wake of challenges presently facing the City of Harare, my Ministry recently convened an interactive session with council to introspect and plan for a future Harare.

“The said convention also resulted in the formation of technical teams for key service delivery areas of council comprising personnel seconded by different Ministries and other Government agencies as well as council staff whose task is to assist council address its challenges.”