People around the country are mostly supporting the new rules that set basic service requirements for city and town councils. The regulations, known as Statutory Instrument 170 of 2025, cover essentials like water supply, road repairs, trash collection, and housing. A government official presented the rules in Harare as part of a larger economic development plan.
The head of a national residents' union called the move a positive step for holding local officials accountable. He also pointed out a lack of public input during the drafting process, arguing that citizen involvement is a constitutional right for policymaking. He suggested residents should be included in yearly reviews of the standards.
Legal analysts are telling communities to use these new benchmarks actively. One lawyer noted the regulations give people a firm legal footing to demand better from their councils, recommending engagement with lawmakers or even court action if needed. A Harare-based residents' association announced it would start teaching people about the rules and how to apply them for accountability.
The head of a national residents' union called the move a positive step for holding local officials accountable. He also pointed out a lack of public input during the drafting process, arguing that citizen involvement is a constitutional right for policymaking. He suggested residents should be included in yearly reviews of the standards.
Legal analysts are telling communities to use these new benchmarks actively. One lawyer noted the regulations give people a firm legal footing to demand better from their councils, recommending engagement with lawmakers or even court action if needed. A Harare-based residents' association announced it would start teaching people about the rules and how to apply them for accountability.
