Harare: The Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Daniel Garwe, has ordered all local authorities to halt workshops, overseas travel, conferences, and similar activities that place a financial burden on councils while service delivery remains inadequate.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Garwe expressed the Government's concern over the increasing number of workshops, seminars, symposiums, study tours, and foreign trips undertaken by municipal officials despite persistent service delivery challenges in their councils. In a circular sent to all local authorities, Garwe announced an embargo on all such activities involving financial costs to local authorities until further notice, emphasizing that no local authority shall participate in or host any such activity without the Ministry's approval.

The directive also covers programmes and activities organised or facilitated by Government ministries, departments, agencies, non-governmental organisations, development partners, associations, private committees, and other entities. Garwe stipulated that all requests and invitations related to these activities must be forwarded to the Ministry for assessment before any commitments are made by local authorities.

Future approvals will only be considered for workshops and similar engagements that directly contribute to attaining minimum service delivery standards and enhancing service delivery. Garwe stressed that priority will be given to programmes with clear and measurable benefits to core service delivery functions. He instructed all councils to immediately submit schedules of previously approved workshops, seminars, conferences, foreign travel, and related activities through their respective desk officers.

Furthermore, Garwe warned that councils failing to adhere to the directive would face appropriate disciplinary action.