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Pamela Shumba Senior Reporter
THE country’s local authorities are grappling with cash flow challenges and struggling to pay workers and buy critical equipment, a development that has seriously affected service delivery in most urban areas.According to a survey of key challenges facing most local authorities, most municipalities were experiencing serious problems which have made it difficult for them to pay their workers and provide effective service delivery.

The survey findings were released at a workshop for mayors and town clerks that started yesterday and ends tomorrow.

The major challenges, the survey indicated, included closure of industries, failure to maintain quality data, lack of funds to replace ageing and non-functional infrastructure, low cash flows as well as inadequate Information Communication Technology (ICT) equipment.

Councils such as Lupane, Hwange and Chirundu were said to require special attention as they were failing to submit data, while others were submitting inaccurate data, a development which negatively affected service delivery.

“Most councils don’t have sound economic bases to sustain local economies. The lack of ICTs is hindering service delivery. The prevailing economic situation is seriously affecting council cash flows, resulting in some failing to pay their workers and maintain or service existing equipment,” said the survey.

“In terms of threats, councils are grappling with illegal, unplanned settlements, some of which are developed by rural district councils on their borders.”

To overcome these and other challenges, mayors and town clerks from all urban councils held the three-day workshop to review and discuss the way forward on improving service delivery, with special focus on solid waste management, waste water management and urban water supply.

The annual workshop, is part of the Service Level Benchmarking (SLB) programme funded by the World Bank and the Ministry of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing.

Chitungwiza Town Clerk George Makunde, who is the SLB committee chairperson, said the programme was meant to guide councils on how they could improve customer relations, increase revenue and transparency.

“The programme is critical in improving data collection, interaction among councils so that there’s sharing of experiences and ideas on how to improve service delivery in their respective areas as well as achieve their targets and objectives,” said Makunde.

“We’ve realised great improvement since the inception of the programme in 2012. It also has a component that looks at capacity building for council employees such as IT managers.”

Ngoni Mudege, senior World Bank water and sanitation specialist, said he was happy with the progress that had been made by urban councils in trying to improve service delivery.

“The World Bank was approached by the government to fund urban councils in this programme that is meant to advance data collection and improve water supply, sanitation and solid waste management. I’m glad that there’s a lot of progress,” said Udege.

“Through this programme, councils will manage to identify priority areas that need attention and the challenges that inhibit service delivery and map the way forward. We’re also happy with the political support that the programme has received.”

The workshop came up with recommendations that included improved revenue collection strategies, development of strategic plans and involvement of partners in council projects as well as expansion and rehabilitation of infrastructure.