Staff Writer
Cde Ellison Muchenje Samuriwo, Interim National Chairman of Citizens Against Economic Sanctions (CAES), (pictured) has congratulated Dr Addmore Pazvakavambwa on his appointment as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works.
In his congratulatory message, Samuriwo described the appointment as an important opportunity to strengthen local governance, improve service delivery and enhance cooperation between central government, local authorities and communities.
“I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Dr Addmore Pazvakavambwa on his appointment as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works. This is an important responsibility, and I wish him success as he takes up this new role,” said Samuriwo.
“Local government plays a critical role in the daily lives of citizens. We look forward to strengthened collaboration between central government, local authorities and residents in addressing challenges such as water shortages, poor sanitation, waste management, housing and infrastructure development.”
Samuriwo said effective leadership, accountability and transparency would be essential in ensuring that local authorities delivered quality services to communities.
“We hope his tenure will usher in renewed commitment towards responsive, accountable and people-centred local governance. Residents must remain at the centre of local development initiatives, and service delivery should be a priority,” he said.
Dr Pazvakavambwa brings experience in public administration, provincial governance, performance management and government programme implementation to his new position.
Before his appointment, he served as Secretary for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Masvingo Province, a position he assumed in 2023.
He previously served as Inspector General in the Public Service Commission, where he headed the Performance Audit and Inspectorate Department. His responsibilities included assessing government performance, monitoring the implementation of public programmes and evaluating the utilisation of public resources.
His academic background includes a doctorate from the University of South Africa (UNISA), focusing on developing a sustainable results-based management model for developing countries.
He also holds a Master of Education in Educational Administration, Planning and Policy Studies, a Bachelor of Education in the same field, a Diploma in Education, as well as professional qualifications in personnel management, public relations and training management.
Dr Pazvakavambwa has also co-authored academic research on the implementation of results-based management in the public sector of developing countries, published in the Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences in 2014.
His experience in provincial administration and public-sector performance management is expected to be relevant to the responsibilities of his new ministry, which oversees local authorities, housing development, public works and infrastructure programmes.
Samuriwo reiterated his best wishes to Dr Pazvakavambwa, expressing hope that his appointment would contribute towards building responsive, accountable and people-centred local governance institutions.