BULAWAYO residents have warned the government against its directive for local authorities to privatise selected service delivery functions, arguing that this may lead to increased tariffs and lack of control over human rights.
The government has directed Zimbabwe’s 92 local authorities to privatise or establish public-private partnerships (PPPs) for selected service delivery functions.
Spearheaded by the Local Government and Public Works ministry, the policy aims to curb perennial service failures, such as poor refuse collection, road maintenance and water provision.
Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions Western Region chairperson Ambrose Sibindi told Southern Eye that councils are not yet ready for privatisation.
“Privatisation is only good for strong economies, we are not yet ready for that, private entities need money and once services are privatised they will be out of reach of many people that have turned to vending due to economic hardships,” he said.
Sibindi said at some time, the Bulawayo City Council tried to privatise council halls, but took them back due to a public outcry.
“There are already infrastructures that have been built by the residents, if they are privatised for a certain reason, how are the residents going to benefit from that,” he said.
Sibindi argued that the issue of accountability will be at stake, saying councillors that are selected by residents are the ones playing an oversight role on behalf of their constituents.
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National Consumer Rights Association advocacy adviser Effie Ncube said privatisation of local government service delivery functions produced mixed results around the world, depending on a number of factors.
“For it to work well, it requires effective private players and rigorous oversight from the government. Private players do not hold the magic wand to service delivery,” he said.
“The tender process from which such private players would be chosen is crucial. It should produce the best in the market.
“Structured well and supervised with discipline, private players can, indeed, lead to better service delivery and improved revenue flows as they bring competition, operational efficiency and specialised expertise.”
Ncube emphasised that value for money and quality services should be priorities.
Residents warned about corruption in the awarding of tenders saying they will not close their eyes over the matter.
Mayor David Coltart said it was too early to comment on the issue.
“We are still studying the strategy, so it is premature to comment,” he said.
However, councils are being urged to hand over struggling departments — such as water production, liquid/solid waste management and public market administration — to private sector players.
The ministry introduced statutory benchmarks for local authorities, with strict rewards and sanctions.
Authorities that fail to meet these are subjected to penalties, ranging from written warnings to dismissal or downgrading of council status.
