Local Gvt and Public Works Perm Sec…John Bhasera
The Ministry of Local Government and Public Works has directed councils to cut down on non-essential workshops and conferences and avoid wasting scarce resources on events that do not improve service delivery.
In a statement, Permanent Secretary John Bhasera said councils must focus on service delivery amid financial pressure and low revenue collection.
He said some organisations were holding workshops and conferences mainly to raise funds from local authorities.
“It has been noted with concern that some institutions and entities are organising workshops and conferences targeting local authorities primarily for fundraising purposes,” Bhasera said.
He instructed councils to attend only events that directly improve service delivery.
Bhasera also warned against deals with third parties that force councils to pay for tables, conference fees and accommodation but offer little or no value.
“Local authorities should not support or tolerate arrangements by third-party entities requiring the purchase of tables, payment of conference fees, accommodation costs and related expenditures which offer limited or no tangible value to service delivery outcomes,” he said.
He said the ban on costly, non-essential workshops will remain until the ministry says otherwise.
Pindula News