By Ndumiso Tshuma
Government officials, civil society actors, and policy experts have called for the urgent strengthening of procurement systems in local authorities, arguing that improved procurement is central to restoring service delivery and public trust.
This came out during a Policy Dialogue Meeting held Thursday at Rainbow Hotel in Bulawayo, convened under the theme “Towards Strengthening Local Government Procurement Processes for Improved Service Delivery.” The meeting forms part of the Public Policy and Research Institute of Zimbabwe’s (PPRIZ) SPEED Project, which promotes evidence-based policymaking.
Delivering remarks on behalf of the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Judith Ncube, senior government official Stephen Ndagurwa said procurement remains a weak link in the effective functioning of councils.
“Local authorities are the tier of government closest to the people. They manage critical services like water supply, refuse collection, and sewage systems. Without efficient procurement systems, these services suffer and so do residents,” he said.
Ndagurwa noted that beyond basic services, councils also contribute to key sectors such as health, education, and infrastructure, and that delays or irregularities in procurement often stall delivery in these areas.
He pointed to recent efforts by President Emmerson Mnangagwa to address the situation, including last week’s launch of Minimum Service Delivery Standards (MSDS) for local authorities during the Councils’ Indaba held in Bulawayo.
“The President has made it clear that improving the performance of local authorities is central to national development,” Ndagurwa said. “We cannot achieve Vision 2030 goals without addressing procurement inefficiencies and ensuring value for money in all council contracts.”
He also warned that weak procurement processes risk entrenching corruption and favouritism, undermining transparency and equity in local governance.
“Strong procurement systems build public trust and ensure that contracts are awarded on merit. Fair and competitive bidding is essential if we are to deliver services efficiently and fairly,” he added.
Zibusiso Dube, representing PPRIZ, said the dialogue was critical given widespread complaints from residents over deteriorating services.
“Procurement decisions directly affect what residents experience, whether it’s working street lights, functioning clinics, or clean water. That’s why open conversations like these are essential to generate new thinking and practical reforms,” Dube said.
Steven Ndlamini, Deputy Director of Industrial Operations in the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, linked procurement to broader economic goals, including industrial growth and job creation.
“We must start viewing public procurement not just as an administrative task but as a strategic tool for industrialisation and economic development,” he said. “Other countries have done it successfully, Zimbabwe can too.”
Stakeholders at the meeting agreed on the need for continued collaboration, capacity-building, and stronger oversight mechanisms to improve procurement systems and ultimately, improve the quality of life for Zimbabweans.
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