The standards
blueprint was prepared by the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works,
with provisions for the establishment of an inspectorate department to check
compliance with service delivery and the law. Following the haphazard sprouting
of structures across most cities and towns, the blueprint emphasised the
development and implementation of master plans by local authorities to the
satisfaction of the parent ministry. It stated that each local authority would
be expected to develop its own standard operating procedures and systems to
ensure achievement of all the provisions of the law and minimum service
delivery levels.
Addressing
journalists in a post-Cabinet briefing yesterday, Minister of Information,
Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr Jenfan Muswere, outlined the objectives
for developing minimum service delivery standards. These include defining the
minimum levels of services that local authorities should provide, as well as
the nature of service recipients should expect in terms of quantity, quality,
time, and cost.
“The Minimum
Service Delivery Standards Framework places focus on: water supply, sanitation,
solid waste management, roads and public lighting, corporate governance, public
health, environmental issues, and housing and community services.
“Each area has
performance indicators, benchmarks, and performance standards. The data will be
submitted online, with a real-time dashboard system being implemented to track,
monitor, and evaluate progress,” said Dr Muswere.
He noted that
the performance of local authorities, both urban and rural, will be based on
assessments set in the Minimum Service Delivery Standards Framework.
Meanwhile,
Cabinet also approved the Climate Change Management Bill, which aims to achieve
alignment with Section 73 of the Constitution, guaranteeing environmental
rights for present and future generations. The Bill seeks to mainstream climate
change across all sectors of the economy, prioritising adaptation and
mitigation efforts.
“The Bill will
regulate greenhouse gas emissions, promote low-carbon development, and support
carbon trading,” said Dr Muswere.
A Designated
National Authority for carbon trading will be established, as well as a
National Climate Fund to support climate change initiatives.
“By providing a
comprehensive legal framework, the Bill will address gaps in existing
climate-related statutes, ensuring a coordinated approach to climate change
management across various sectors,” said Dr Muswere. Herald
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