KEY POINTS
- Councillors’ monthly allowances capped at $75, mayors at $90.
- Travel allowances limited to subsistence outside council areas only.
- Councillors restricted to one residential plot for life, with no commercial land benefits.
Daniel Garwe, Zimbabwe’s Minister of Local Government, has instituted a $75 monthly fixed payment for council members, in addition to a $90 stipend for mayors and chairpersons. The recently gazetted amendments are part of an effort to combat corruption and streamline perks for local government.
Corruption allegations drive reforms
The announcement follows widespread accusations of embezzlement by councillors, who were reportedly misusing public funds on unnecessary travel and self-enrichment through residential and commercial land allocations.
Accordimg to New Zimbabwe, to curb such practices, the ministry has prohibited additional benefits beyond the monthly stipends, including sitting allowances.
“The payment of allowances will be subject to audits, with any overpayments recovered,” Garwe stated. The allowances are pegged in U.S. dollars, payable in any currency within Zimbabwe’s multicurrency system.
Travel allowances now restricted
For official excursions outside of municipal boundaries, the new regulations restrict travel allowances to subsistence costs.
Mileage reimbursement, which is equivalent to the price of 1.5 liters of gasoline for every 10 kilometers traveled, will be available to rural district council members who attend meetings inside their districts.
Council members who use council-provided transportation will not be eligible for further travel reimbursements, Garwe explained. The new approach eliminates out-of-pocket allowances and other benefits that were previously authorized.
Land and travel benefits curtailed
As part of the crackdown, commercial and industrial property allocations have been completely banned, and council members are only allowed to receive one residential plot during their lifetime.
Additionally, the ministry has demanded that prior consent be obtained for any workshops and overseas trips outside the council region.
The changes represent a larger initiative to hold local government representatives accountable and cut back on unnecessary spending.
