Govt Cracks Whip on Lazy Councils as Urban Renewal Drive Gains Pace

The government has issued a stern warning to underperforming local authorities ‘deliver real results or face prosecution starting in 2026.’

This comes as Zimbabwe ramps up efforts to modernise its towns and cities in line with Vision 2030.

Speaking during a tour of the revived Nokmalok Housing Project in Chegutu, Chief Director of Spatial Planning and Development, Shingirai Mushamba, standing in for Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe, declared that the era of lax service delivery is over.

“Non-performance or performance below minimum service delivery standards is an offence punishable in terms of the law,” Mushamba warned.

ALSO READ: Trump Announces $2,000 Tariff Stimulus Checks for All Americans, Excluding the Wealthy

He said government would no longer tolerate a “9-to-5 mindset” in public institutions, urging civil servants to embrace round-the-clock productivity to accelerate urban transformation.

Mushamba said the resurgence of the Urban Development Corporation (UDCORP) marks a turning point in government’s bid to create serviced, sustainable human settlements.

He added that the upcoming Urban State Land Management Act, expected to be operational in 2026, will empower authorities to enforce strict oversight and accountability across all councils.

Commending UDCORP for reviving the once-stalled Nokmalok project, Mushamba said the development reflected the power of collaboration and innovation.

“We must build on this by embracing new ideas, strategic partnerships and a stronger work ethic,” he said.

Director of Strategic Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation in the Ministry of National Housing and Social Amenities, Marian Mutenga, who stood in for Minister Daniel Garwe, reinforced the government’s commitment to the one-million-unit housing target under the National Development Strategy phases (NDS1 and NDS2).

“Urban development is not just about bricks and mortar; it’s about creating communities of dignity, opportunity and progress,” she said.

UDCORP officials revealed that they had slashed the Nokmalok project’s cost from US$40 million to US$22 million through value-for-money audits, while achieving a 96% corporate governance compliance rate.

UDCORP Chief Executive Joey Shumbamhini said the project which includes residential, commercial, institutional and recreational spaces would serve as a blueprint for future urban planning models.

“Today we celebrate not just the revival of a housing project, but a symbol of accountability and innovation. We are moving from promises to tangible milestones,” Shumbamhini said, urging rural district councils to partner with UDCORP to ensure “no one and no place is left behind.”