By Tafara Pande
Masvingo — The City of Masvingo has taken a bold step in strengthening transparent and accountable governance with the official launch of its Service Delivery Charter. The milestone event, held at the Civic Centre Offices, Town Hall on Tuesday, drew senior government officials, councillors, council management, and community stakeholders.
The Charter spells out clear service standards, turnaround times, and the rights and responsibilities of both the local authority and residents. Speaking at the event, His Worship the Mayor, Councillor Aleck Tabe, described the Charter as a living document designed to guide improved performance while fostering trust between the council and its citizens.
Representing the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Hon. Ezra Chadzamira, the Provincial Director of Economic Affairs, Mr Clever Chingwara, applauded the City of Masvingo for leading by example. He urged other local authorities in the province to adopt similar frameworks to strengthen service delivery, aligning with Zimbabwe’s national devolution agenda and Vision 2030.
The Service Delivery Charter prioritises key sectors including water supply, waste management, infrastructure, and citizen engagement. Residents’ associations present at the launch, the Masvingo United Residents and Ratepayers Alliance (MURRA) and the Masvingo Service Delivery Residents Association (MASDRA), welcomed the move. They reaffirmed their commitment to working with the council, stressing their shared mantra, “We pay, You deliver.”
Town Clerk Eng. Edward Mukaratirwa urged residents to study the Charter and actively hold the council accountable to the service standards outlined. He emphasised that the document empowers citizens while ensuring that council operations remain people-centred and performance-driven.
