Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, Cnr Leopold Takawira and Herbert Chitepo, Harare (2026)

Q: What is the address?

Cnr Leopold Takawira And Herbert Chitepo

26/05/2026

H.E Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa declares Deka Bridge Accident a State of Disaster
John Basera The Herald-Zimbabwe Chronicle Zimbabwe

19/05/2026

Zim Endorses Nairobi Declaration Implementation Plan at Regional African Ministerial Meeting in Baku

Zimbabwe has reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable, resilient and inclusive urban development through full endorsement of the Nairobi Declaration Implementation Plan during the Regional African Ministerial Meeting being held in Baku, Azerbaijan, on the side-lines of the 13th World Urban Forum.
Speaking during the Action Plan Review and Ministerial Endorsement Session on Tuesday, Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Hon. Daniel Garwe, said Zimbabwe remains fully committed to the time-bound priority clusters outlined in the Nairobi Declaration and stands in solidarity with other African countries in advancing the continent’s urban development agenda.
Hon. Garwe noted that the 13th World Urban Forum and the upcoming United Nations General Assembly High-Level Meeting on the New Urban Agenda scheduled for July 2026 remain key international platforms for promoting Africa’s urban transformation agenda.
“The Republic of Zimbabwe pledges to continue integrating Sustainable Development Goal 11 into the National Development Strategy 2 policy framework and national fiscal frameworks,” said Hon. Garwe.
SDG 11 seeks to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.
The Minister said Zimbabwe would continue reporting progress through the Public Service, Local Government, Urban Development and Decentralized Specialized Technical Committee (STC8) as part of regional accountability mechanisms.
Hon Garwe highlighted several policy interventions already undertaken by Government to support sustainable urban development, including the integration of Special Economic Zones into national master plans.
He said the Zimbabwe National Human Settlements Policy of 2020 and the recently introduced Urban State Land Management Policy of 2025 are helping to drive regularisation of informal settlements, housing delivery and sustainable spatial planning.
The Minister further outlined ongoing fiscal reforms aimed at strengthening domestic resource mobilisation, supported by the recently launched 2025 National Infrastructure Investment Prospectus, which seeks to accelerate industrialisation and urban housing development.
He also underscored the importance of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), municipal bonds and mortgage financing in supporting housing provision, urban regeneration projects and the upgrading of bulk service infrastructure.
Hon. Garwe said Zimbabwe’s endorsement of the Nairobi Declaration Implementation Plan aligns with the country’s Vision 2030 development blueprint, which positions modern, inclusive and sustainable urban systems as key drivers of economic growth, innovation and improved service delivery.
The 13th World Urban Forum which started on Monday, has brought together governments, urban planners, development partners, mayors and policy experts from across the world to deliberate on sustainable urbanisation and implementation of the New Urban Agenda.
John Basera The Herald-Zimbabwe Chronicle Zimbabwe ZBC News Online

14/05/2026

Transforming Disaster Risk into Resilience Dividends: A Risk-Informed Recovery Framework for Agrifood Systems and Sustainable Development in the SADC Region

13/05/2026

Meeting of SADC Ministers for DRM and Ministerial Roundtable

29/04/2026

*Min Garwe Conveys President Mnangagwa’s Condolences at Burial of Late Senator Chief Mapungwana in Chipinge*

The Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Hon D Garwe, delivered President Mnangagwa's message of condolence and solidarity to the Mapungwana Chieftainship Clan and community following the passing of Senator Chief Mapungwana, describing the late traditional leader as a distinguished custodian of culture, heritage and development.
Speaking at the burial ceremony held in Chief Mapungwana’s area in Chipinge, Manicaland on Wednesday, Min Garwe said his words were conveyed on behalf of His Excellency President Mnangagwa, who sent his deepest condolences to the bereaved family, the Mapungwana community and the nation.
The ceremony was attended by Deputy Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Hon A Mavunga, National Council of Chiefs President Sen Chief Mtshane Khumalo, Senate Deputy President Hon Mike Nyambuya, fellow traditional leaders, senior Government officials and hundreds of mourners.
Min Garwe acknowledged the far-reaching significance of the Mapungwana chieftainship, noting that its traditional jurisdiction and cultural influence extends beyond Zimbabwe into neighbouring Mozambique, reflecting its enduring regional importance.
“It is with a deep sense of shock and sorrow that I stand before you today, on behalf of His Excellency the President, Cde Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, to mourn the departure from amongst us of the custodian of our culture and heritage, Anias Mapungwana, who was substantive Chief Mapungwana,” said Min Garwe.
Born on 27 October 1966, the late Chief Mapungwana was installed as substantive Chief on 8 October 2007 under the primogeniture succession tradition, “yafa yabara,” and served his people with distinction for 18 years.
Before assuming traditional leadership, Chief Mapungwana served as a school teacher for five years before joining the private security sector from 2004 to 2007.
Min Garwe said the late Chief’s leadership was marked by unwavering dedication to both his people and national service.
Since his installation, Chief Mapungwana served as a member of the Manicaland Provincial Chiefs’ Assembly, the National Council of Chiefs and the Senate of Zimbabwe.
From 2023 until his passing, he also served as Chairman of the Manicaland Provincial Chiefs’ Assembly.
“The late Chief understood development through supporting Government programmes. He was a father figure to the Mapungwana community who facilitated strong linkages between his people and Government,” Min Garwe said.
He said Chief Mapungwana remained committed to national duty and unity, having attended the 2026 Independence Celebrations in Maphisa, Matabeleland South, demonstrating his patriotism and dedication to Zimbabwe.
Min Garwe added that Government remained committed to upholding the dignity of traditional leaders and ensuring they are honoured for their role in preserving culture, fostering unity and spearheading grassroots development.
Chief Mapungwana is survived by his two wives, five children and four grandchildren.
“On behalf of His Excellency the President, Government, and indeed on my own behalf, I wish to convey our deepest condolences to the Mapungwana Chieftainship Clan, communities in Zimbabwe and Mozambique, and the nation at large. May his dear soul rest in eternal peace,” said Min Garwe.

19/04/2026

*Mass Memorial Held for Bulawayo–Gwanda Highway Accident Victims*

A sombre mass memorial service has been held in Bulawayo today for the 12 victims who perished in the tragic road accident along the Bulawayo–Gwanda Highway on Friday.
The memorial, attended by senior Government officials, bereaved families and members of the public, was held at Doves Memorial Home.
It brought together mourners to honour the lives lost in the devastating incident that occurred at the 16-kilometre peg near Chipangali.
The accident claimed at least 12 lives on the spot after an explosion engulfed a passenger vehicle, leaving some victims burnt beyond recognition while others were dismembered.
Three bodies are still awaiting DNA identification, while one family has reported that their relative is still missing.
Deputy Chairperson of the Cabinet Committee on Environment and Disaster Prevention, Hon Evelyn Ndlovu, who was standing in as chief mourner on behalf of the Committee Chairperson, Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Hon D Garwe, conveyed condolences on behalf of Government.
She described the tragedy as a profound national loss that has deeply affected communities across in the region.
In her address, Dr Ndlovu expressed deep sympathy to the affected families and urged communities to remain united in mourning, emphasising Government’s commitment to ensuring that all victims are accorded dignity in death.
The deceased hailed from Bulawayo, Matabeleland South and Matabeleland North, highlighting the widespread impact of the tragedy.
Government officials used the memorial platform to assure families of continued support during this difficult period. Following the declaration of the incident as a State of Disaster by President Mnangagwa on 16 April 2026, assistance has been mobilised to ensure dignified burials for all victims. Support being provided includes coffins, hearse services and food hampers.
The support is being co- ordinated by the Department of Civil Protection.
Authorities also highlighted the establishment of a Command Centre, initially set up at United Bulawayo Hospitals and later moved to Doves Funeral Services, to coordinate response efforts.
The centre continues to provide psychosocial support, assist with burial arrangements and ensure respectful send-offs for the deceased.
The Government also assured the families that the Zimbabwe Republic Police Forensic Unit is working diligently to identify all remains.
The memorial was attended by several senior officials, including Minister of Industry and Commerce Hon Mangaliso Ndlovu, Minister of State for Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution Hon Albert Ngulube, Deputy Minister of Local Government and Public Works Hon A Mavunga, Umzingwane Member of Parliament Hon Levi Mayihlome, and Deputy Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Dr Omphile Marupi, among other Government officials.
ZBC News Online Chronicle Zimbabwe The Herald-Zimbabwe John Basera

13/04/2026

Stay Safe during Independence Celebrations

John Basera The Herald-Zimbabwe Ministry of Information, Publicity & Broadcasting Services ZBC News online

09/04/2026

Finance–Urban Integration Key to Sustainable Cities: Hon Garwe
The Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Hon. Daniel Garwe, has called for stronger integration between Ministries of Finance and financial institutions to unlock sustainable, inclusive, and resilient urban development.
Contributing to discussions on how Ministries of Finance and financial institutions can be systematically integrated to support scalable and resilient urban growth during the Second Africa Urban Forum in Nairobi, Kenya, on Thursday, Hon. Garwe said rapid urbanisation is placing increasing pressure on governments to deliver infrastructure and services.
He noted that the global urban population is projected to reach 5 billion by 2050, up from 3.5 billion in 2015, a trend that is widening the gap between infrastructure demand and available financing.
Hon. Garwe said limited fiscal space is constraining Ministries of Finance from adequately funding urban development through traditional Public Sector Investment Programmes, resulting in significant financing shortfalls.
“Urban financing continues to face challenges such as limited government funding, inadequate foreign direct investment, and high borrowing costs. This calls for a shift towards strategic partnerships between government and financial institutions,” he said.
He added that financial institutions often perceive urban infrastructure as high-risk and low-return, a narrative that must be changed through deliberate de-risking strategies and policy alignment.
Hon. Garwe highlighted that in many African countries, key stakeholders operate in silos, leading to fragmented and short-term financing approaches that often exclude vulnerable communities. He stressed that cities require long-term, predictable financing streams to meet growing demand while ensuring inclusivity and resilience against climate and economic shocks.
To address these challenges, the Minister outlined key strategies for Ministries of Finance, including creating favourable regulatory environments, embedding urban priorities into national fiscal frameworks, and designing incentives to attract private sector investment.
He cited Zimbabwe’s approach of channeling pension funds into urban development through prescribed asset status, enabling access to affordable, long-term capital.
On the role of financial institutions, Hon. Garwe emphasised the importance for innovative financing instruments such as green bonds, blended finance, and land-based funding models. He noted that Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy 2 and the 2026 Infrastructure Investment Programme provide frameworks that allow investors to recover costs through a mix of Treasury support and land value mechanisms.
“This approach eases pressure on the fiscus while enabling scalable housing delivery,” he said.
The Minister also underscored the importance of risk-sharing mechanisms, inclusive lending models, and intermediate financing systems to support smaller municipalities that lack borrowing capacity. He said tools such as municipal bonds and pooled credit facilities can help bridge the infrastructure financing gap.
Public-private partnerships (PPPs) were also highlighted as critical, with projects such as the Geo Pomona Waste Management initiative and the Helcraw water project cited as examples of successful collaboration.
To ensure systematic integration, Hon. Garwe proposed the establishment of Urban Development Finance Fora to bring together policymakers, financiers, and urban planners. He noted that Zimbabwe is already advancing this through housing investment conferences that promote dialogue and policy alignment.
He also emphasised the importance of data-driven planning, pointing to the role of the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA) in providing a pipeline of bankable projects for investors.
Hon. Garwe called for a “whole-of-economy” approach that positions Ministries of Finance as active drivers of urban transformation.
“This integration is essential to building cities that are inclusive, resilient, and capable of meeting future demands,” he said.
John BaseraThe Herald-ZimbabweChronicle Zimbabwe

08/04/2026

Zimbabwe Prioritises Informal Settlements Regularisation

Zimbabwe has placed the regularisation of informal settlements at the centre of its urban development agenda, with Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Hon D Garwe, declaring that restoring dignity and security of tenure for citizens remains a top priority.
Delivering the Zimbabwe Statement during the ongoing Second Africa Urban Forum in Nairobi, Kenya on Wednesday, Minister Garwe said Zimbabwe is taking bold and practical steps to transform informal settlements into structured, serviced, and inclusive communities.
“We are transforming informal settlements through responsive planning and the Presidential Title Deeds Programme,” he said. “This programme is not just about land ownership,it is about restoring dignity, unlocking economic value, and ensuring that every Zimbabwean has a secure place to call home.”
The Minister noted that the Government is targeting the issuance of 1.5 million title deeds, a move expected to formalise settlements while enabling residents to leverage their properties for economic empowerment.
“We want to unlock what has long been considered ‘dead capital’ and bring it into the mainstream economy,” said Minister Garwe. “Security of tenure gives our citizens confidence to invest, build, and improve their living conditions.”
Zimbabwe’s approach aligns with the broader aspirations of Agenda 2063, which emphasises inclusive and sustainable urbanisation across the continent.
Beyond regularisation, Minister Garwe highlighted that Zimbabwe is integrating informal settlements into wider urban planning frameworks to ensure access to essential services such as water, sanitation, roads, and electricity.
"No settlement should be left behind,” he said. “Regularisation goes hand in hand with infrastructure development. It is about creating communities that are safe, functional, and dignified.”
The Minister also underscored that housing is a fundamental human right and a key pillar in Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 of becoming an upper-middle-income society.
Zimbabwe has already made notable progress, delivering one million housing units under the first phase of its National Development Strategy, and is now targeting another one million units between 2026 and 2030.
In addition, the Government is promoting urban densification to curb urban sprawl and preserve agricultural land, while adopting green building standards to enhance climate resilience.
“We are building not just houses, but sustainable cities that can withstand the challenges of climate change,” Minister Garwe said.
On financing, Zimbabwe is shifting towards making housing a bankable sector through the revitalisation of the National Housing Fund and increased collaboration with private investors under Public-Private Partnerships.
Minister Garwe called on African nations to share best practices and strengthen cooperation in tackling urban challenges.
“The Africa we want cannot be built on informality and exclusion,” he said. “It must be built on inclusive, well-planned, and resilient cities that offer opportunity and dignity to all.”
Zimbabwe reaffirmed its commitment to working with regional and international partners to advance sustainable urban development, positioning itself as a key player in shaping Africa’s urban future.

John BaseraThe Herald-ZimbabweChronicle ZimbabweZBC News onlineMinistry of Information, Publicity & Broadcasting Services

01/04/2026

Moratorium on Land Use Changes Lifted as Councils Show Improved Capacity

The Government has lifted the conditional moratorium on land use and reservation changes, citing improved planning and development control capacity among local authorities.
In a notice, the Minister of Local Government and Public Works Hon. D Garwe announced the withdrawal of the moratorium with immediate effect.
The restriction had been imposed in May 2025 under the Regional, Town and Country Planning Act to curb irregular developments and restore order in urban and rural settlements.
The moratorium had temporarily barred local authorities from processing applications for change of land use and reservation.
However, the Ministry said a comprehensive assessment has since revealed “significant improvement” in how councils are managing spatial planning and development control.
“With this withdrawal, local authorities are no longer prohibited from exercising their planning powers in respect of change of use and change of reservation,” the Minister said.
The Government noted that councils have strengthened their internal systems, including compliance mechanisms and the establishment of dedicated spatial planning departments. These reforms, authorities say, have addressed the challenges that led to the imposition of the moratorium.
Hon Garwe urged local authorities to maintain momentum by reinforcing development control measures and ensuring orderly settlement patterns across the country.
“The Ministry is satisfied that the measures put in place are adequate to address previous challenges,” he said.
Going forward, the Ministry’s Inspectorate Department will monitor compliance to ensure councils adhere to planning regulations and uphold sustainable urban development standards.

The lifting of the moratorium is expected to unlock stalled development projects and improve service delivery, while placing renewed responsibility on local authorities to manage growth effectively.
John BaseraThe Herald-ZimbabweChronicle Zimbabwe

Ministry of Local Government and Public Works

26/05/2026

19/05/2026

14/05/2026

13/05/2026

29/04/2026

19/04/2026

13/04/2026

09/04/2026

08/04/2026

01/04/2026

Address

Website

Alerts

Contact The Organization

Shortcuts

Share