Bulawayo Mayor Raises Concerns Over Government Policies on Devolution

7 October 2025

Nokusa Masuku

Bulawayo Mayor His Worship Senator David Coltart has criticized the central government for implementing measures that counter the principle of devolution, restricting local councils from running independently.

Speaking at a local meeting recently, Mayor Coltart highlighted that local authorities used to receive car license fees, which were used to repair roads. However, the fees now go to the Zimbabwe National Road Administration (ZINARA), making it a challenge for councils to get some of their money back.

He added that the city’s water infrastructure, including dams, was unilaterally taken over by the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA) decades ago forcing Bulawayo to buy its own water back from ZINWA.

“This city has a proud history. It built its own dams. Rate payers of this city over decades built our own dams and our own water infrastructure.

“But those dams were unilaterally taken over by Zinwe decades ago and we now have to buy our own water back from Zinwe. That’s the reality. That is counter to devolution,” he decried.

The mayor also expressed frustration with the devolution funds, saying that local authorities have little say in how the funds are used. He cited the example of fire engines manufactured in Belarus, which were imposed on the city by central government.

“We were told by central government that our devolution funds would be spent on three fire engines manufactured in Belarusia. They come, they’re there, they cost $400,000 each. They are inappropriate for this city,” he pointed out.

Mayor Coltart emphasized that local authorities are not being allowed to operate independently, despite strong constitutional provisions that promote devolution.