Matabeleland South: Sets Ambitious MSDS Service Delivery Targets for 2024

• Matabeleland South aims for 74% water, 90% sanitation, and 97% solid waste coverage by year-end.
• These provincial targets are part of Zimbabwe's national Minimum Service Delivery Standards (MSDS) to be met by 2030.
• Urban councils must achieve 90% water coverage by next year, rural councils 70%, with 100% for both by 2030.
• A provincial plan guides local authorities to align budgets and projects with MSDS, including sand abstraction and piped water schemes.
• Councils will enforce sanitation by-laws, improve roads, health facilities, and housing, while enhancing transparency through citizen engagement.

Without clean water in health facilities, patients and staff remain at risk of waterborne diseases.

Matabeleland South has outlined ambitious targets for essential services, aiming to significantly enhance community access by the close of the current year. The province seeks to achieve 74 percent coverage for water supply across its communities within this timeframe. These specific provincial objectives are integral to a broader national initiative, the Government's Minimum Service Delivery Standards (MSDS), which mandates all urban and rural councils to meet comprehensive benchmarks by 2030. Beyond water, Matabeleland South is also striving for 90 percent coverage in sanitation management and an impressive 97 percent for solid waste management by year-end.

The establishment of these minimum standards by the Zimbabwean government underscores a commitment to ensuring universal access to fundamental services for all citizens. This push is aligned with the nation's overarching economic vision: to attain an upper middle-income economy status by the year 2030. The provincial targets, therefore, represent a critical step in fulfilling both local needs and national aspirations, driving improvements in public welfare and infrastructure development.

The Zimbabwe Minimum Service Delivery Standards (MSDS) provide a detailed roadmap for local authorities, particularly concerning water provision. Urban councils are tasked with achieving 90 percent water coverage in their respective areas by the end of next year, with a full 100 percent coverage expected by 2030. Similarly, rural local authorities face targets of 70 percent coverage by next year, escalating to 100 percent by the 2030 deadline. These standards also precisely define the required proximity of water sources to residences. In urban settings, every property must either possess a direct connection or have access to water within a 100-meter walking distance. For rural communities, the standard dictates water availability within 500 meters or a 30-minute round trip walk.

The MSDS further specifies what constitutes improved drinking water sources, encompassing a range of technologies and infrastructure. These include piped water systems, boreholes, protected deep and shallow wells, and protected springs. Additionally, rainwater harvesting, sand abstraction, artesian wells, and safely delivered packaged water are recognized as acceptable sources. In urbanized areas, councils are specifically mandated to implement piped water schemes or provide treated water derived from boreholes and springs, ensuring both accessibility and quality of supply.

During a recent Matabeleland South Provincial Development Committee meeting, Mr. Simon Muleya, the province's Deputy Director of Local Government, presented a thematic committee report on Regional Development, Inclusivity through Devolution and Decentralisation. He highlighted the establishment of a comprehensive provincial plan designed to guide local authorities. This strategic document aims to ensure that all councils in Matabeleland South align their budgetary allocations and project initiatives with the overarching Matabeleland South MSDS service delivery targets. Mr. Muleya emphasized the anticipated increase in the development of piped water schemes leveraging high-yielding boreholes and the integration of sand abstraction technologies.

Sand abstraction is being particularly prioritized in arid regions where rivers flow beneath the surface, addressing long-standing challenges communities have faced in securing safe water. To enhance solid waste management, the province is focusing on the construction of both household and institutional toilets. Furthermore, local authorities are expected to rigorously enforce Zimbabwe sanitation by-laws to guarantee proper waste disposal and the complete eradication of open defecation, a critical step for public health.

Beyond water and sanitation, the province has also set a target of 77 percent coverage for roads and public lighting by the end of the year. Mr. Muleya underscored the necessity for local authorities to intensify routine road grading and pothole patching efforts, which are crucial for improving access to vital facilities such as water points, clinics, and schools. He also stressed the importance of maintaining street lighting and rehabilitating drainage systems to mitigate flooding and prevent the contamination of water sources. In the realm of public health, councils are mandated to scale up the construction and equipping of health facilities. A critical focus remains on improving water and sanitation coverage within clinics and hospitals, as the absence of clean water in these settings poses a significant risk of waterborne diseases to both patients and staff. For housing and social amenities, the province aims for a 71 percent target by December, which includes servicing residential stands, developing recreational facilities, and regularizing informal settlements.

To bolster the effectiveness and public trust in service provision, Mr. Muleya also outlined measures for improving transparency and accountability within local authorities. This will be achieved through various citizen engagement platforms, including public consultation meetings, and by regularly publishing budget and expenditure reports. These initiatives are designed to foster greater public participation and oversight in how services are delivered across the province. The Deputy Director reiterated expectations for an increased pace in the servicing of residential stands and the development of recreational and social facilities, reinforcing the commitment to comprehensive community development.

Lawyers advising local authorities or businesses involved in infrastructure development in Matabeleland South should assess compliance with the Zimbabwe Minimum Service Delivery Standards and provincial targets for water, sanitation, and waste management, informing strategic planning and potential project financing.

Source: Original reporting via local government statements